Size: Up to ½ inch (12.7mm)
Color: Brown or black
Description: The larder beetle is a small, dark-colored beetle with white and black markings. This beetle is a member of the carpet beetle family Dermestidae; however, the larder beetle, Dermestes lardarius can feed on a great variety of materials-not just carpets. They will feed on any stored animal or plant products, such as leather, insect, bird, and mammal specimens, cured meats, cheese, tobacco, dried fish meal, and a few things we can't even mention!
Habitat: The larder beetle is often found in houses-and not just in the larder! (the kitchen).
Life Cycle: Outdoors the life cycle of this insect is regulated by the seasons; indoors it may breed continuously throughout the year. Eggs are laid in batches of 6-8, with the total per female being about 200. The larvae are dark colored and covered with dark brown hairs. The larvae pass through five or six stages during the 35 to 80 days of their lives. The larvae have a strong tendency to remain in dark places. Just before the larvae pupate they begin to migrate, and are often encountered by homeowners at this time. These older larvae often bore into materials such as wood, cork, or insulation looking for a place to pupate. The pupal period lasts about 15 days. The adults mate soon after emerging and eggs are laid near a food source.
Type Of Damage: Eat food in the kitchen or pantry.
Control: Identifying and eliminating the food source is the first step in controlling these pests. Larder beetles found in and around the kitchen may be infesting stored food. Larvae or adults found in an upstairs room or attic may be infesting a dead animal. Consider all the possibilities for food when looking for an in-house infestation site. Applying aerosol chemicals in areas where larvae are found may provide some control. However, larvae do travel when they are full grown and the place they are sighted may be far from the actual food source!
Interesting Facts: Will feed on any stored animal or plant products, even non-food items such as leather or museum specimens.
