Larder Beetle
Biology
The larder beetle is a common pest that infests structures and business’s throughout the world. Larders are dark brown with a light yellow band that covers the upper part of it’s body; within the band are dots that form a triangle shape. The yellow band, wings, and the legs of the larder are covered in tiny light yellow hairs.
Females lay their eggs in a food source or in cracks or crevices within a structure near where food is stored. The number of eggs laid is between 102-800, and hatches every 12 days. The larvae goes through 4-5 developmental changes within their lifespan. The average lifespan of the larder beetle is between 3-5 months.
Feeding Preferences
The larder beetle feeds on animal products, such as dried meats and fish, pet food, skins, feathers, cheese. They may also eat plant material that is high in protein, such as grains.
Transmitted Diseases
The larder beetle does not transmit any human diseases.
Habits
Normally, it is the pantry area that is used for breeding. However, if that space is not available, the larder beetle will use the ceiling, walls, behind appliances, or various other voids in the structure. Adults usually do not like light sources and avoid them when mating or egg laying. For the larder beetle, it is the larvae that causes the most damage and contamination to stored foods, they bore into food sources and “plug” the entrance so they can molt.
Structural Pest Pantry Pest Program
David will perform a thorough inspection on both the interior and exterior of your home, finding all the infested areas and identifying which pests you are dealing with. Once identified, David will implement a pest control program that is designed to target the specific pests in your home.
