Larder beetles are common household pests. They earned their name from their historical presence in larders, cool storage areas for food before modern refrigeration. While their preferred habitats have changed, they remain a nuisance in contemporary homes.
Do Larder Beetles Bite Humans?
Larder beetles do not bite humans or pets and are not known to transmit diseases. They are primarily scavengers, feeding on protein-rich organic materials like dried meats, cheeses, and animal remains.
People may perceive larder beetles as biting due to crawling sensations or mistaken identity with other insects. The main concern with these beetles is their feeding on stored products, not direct interaction with humans. A rare defensive nip might occur if a beetle is roughly handled, but it is not dangerous and causes only minor discomfort.
Recognizing Larder Beetles and Their Environment
Identifying larder beetles involves observing both their adult and larval stages. Adult larder beetles measure about 1/4 to 3/8 inch (7-9 mm) long and have an oval shape. They are dark brown or black with a broad, pale yellow or cream-colored band across the middle of their wing covers, which contains six dark spots.
Larder beetle larvae are elongated, reddish-brown, and can grow up to 1/2 to 5/8 inch (13 mm) long. Their bodies are covered in bristly hairs and feature two small, curved spines projecting backward from the tail end. These insects are often found in dark, secluded areas within homes, including pantries, attics, basements, and wall voids. They are attracted to areas with potential food sources like stored pet food, dried animal products, or dead rodents and insects.
Actual Concerns with Larder Beetles
While larder beetles do not pose a direct health threat by biting or spreading disease, their presence in homes can lead to several issues. They are considered nuisance pests due to their ability to contaminate food products. They infest items like dried meats, cheeses, and pet food, rendering them inedible through their feeding, fecal droppings, and shed exoskeletons.
Larder beetle larvae can also cause minor structural damage as they seek sheltered places to pupate. They bore into soft materials like wood, insulation, and books to create chambers for pupation. Additionally, these beetles can damage museum specimens, leather goods, and animal hides. Their unsanitary habits and accumulation of shed skins can be bothersome and may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.
Preventing and Managing Larder Beetle Infestations
Effective management of larder beetle infestations begins with thorough sanitation and prevention. Storing food products, especially dried meats, cheeses, and pet food, in airtight containers is a primary preventive measure. Regular cleaning of pantries, cabinets, and other storage areas helps eliminate food debris that could attract these pests. Sealing cracks and gaps in walls, windows, and doors prevents larder beetles from entering the home. Inspect new food items and animal products before bringing them indoors.
For existing infestations, locating and removing the food source is the most important step. This involves discarding any infested items and thoroughly vacuuming shelves and affected areas to remove beetles, larvae, and eggs. Simple traps, like a mixture of apple cider vinegar and dish soap, can help reduce beetle populations. If the infestation is widespread or the source is inaccessible, consulting a professional pest control service may be necessary.