Identification
The Larder Beetle is a dark brown to black beetle, measuring about 7–9 mm in length. It has a distinctive pale-yellow band across its wing covers (elytra) with dark spots, giving it a recognizable appearance. The larvae are reddish-brown, covered in stiff hairs, and can grow up to 12 mm long. Both adults and larvae are commonly found in food storage areas and places with decaying organic matter.
Lifecycle & Reproduction
Larder Beetles undergo complete metamorphosis, progressing through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Females lay between 100–200 eggs in or near food sources. Eggs hatch within 6–10 days, and larvae feed for 30–60 days before pupating. The pupal stage lasts around 7–14 days, and adults live for 2–3 months. In favorable conditions, multiple generations can occur annually.
Habits, Diet & Behavior
Larder Beetles are scavengers that primarily feed on animal-based products such as cured meats, cheese, dried fish, pet food, and dead insects. Larvae can bore into wood and other materials to pupate, making them difficult to eliminate. Adults can fly and often seek out dark, secluded areas to lay eggs.
Where You’ll Find Them / Typical Locations
- Pantries and food storage areas
- Meat processing plants and butcher shops
- Animal feed storage and pet food containers
- Taxidermy collections and museum specimens
- Wall voids and attics, especially where dead rodents or birds are present
Threats & Danger
Larder Beetles contaminate food with their presence, making it unsafe for consumption. Their larvae bore into wood, insulation, and even soft metals to pupate, potentially causing structural damage. In museum collections, they pose a risk to taxidermy, hides, and insect specimens. Infestations can lead to economic losses in food storage and processing industries.
Prevention
- Store meat and dry pet food in airtight, sealed containers.
- Regularly clean pantries and food storage areas to remove spills and debris.
- Inspect walls and attics for dead rodents or birds, which can attract beetles.
- Maintain low humidity levels to reduce beetle activity.
- Use pheromone traps to monitor for early signs of infestation.
Signs of Infestation
- Presence of adult beetles in pantries or near food storage.
- Larvae burrowing into packaging, wood, or insulation.
- Shed larval skins and frass (insect excrement) in food areas.
- Unusual holes in food packages or stored animal products.
How to Get Rid of It
- Dispose of infested food: Seal and discard contaminated products in plastic bags.
- Thoroughly clean storage areas: Vacuum shelves and wipe surfaces with vinegar or soapy water.
- Freeze affected items: Store food at 0°F (-18°C) for at least a week to kill eggs and larvae.
- Use pheromone traps: These help monitor and reduce adult populations.
- Apply insecticides (as a last resort): Use food-safe insecticides in storage areas if necessary.
- Seek professional pest control: For persistent or severe infestations, expert treatment may be required.