The Complete Guide to Identifying and Eliminating Larder Beetles

Larder beetles, also known as black bugs with brown stripes, are common pests that can infest homes and businesses, causing damage to stored food products, fabrics, and other materials. Identifying and eliminating these pests is essential to protect your property and prevent further infestations.

What Are Larder Beetles?

Larder beetles, scientifically known as Dermestes lardarius, are small insects in the family Dermestidae. They are dark brown to black in color with a distinctive light-colored band across their wings. Adult larder beetles are typically around 1/4 to 3/8 inch in length, while larvae can grow up to 1/2 inch long.

Larder beetles are common pests in homes, grocery stores, restaurants, and warehouses. They feed on a variety of organic materials, including dried meats, pet food, grains, and animal hides. These pests are attracted to stored food products and can quickly infest pantries, basements, and storage areas where food items are kept.

Identifying Larder Beetles

To effectively eliminate larder beetles from your property, it’s important to be able to identify them accurately. Here are some key characteristics to look for when identifying larder beetles:

• Dark brown to black color: Adult larder beetles are dark in color with a light-colored band or stripe across their wings.
• Oval-shaped body: Larder beetles have an oval body and are typically 1/4 to 3/8 inches in length.
• Larvae: Larder beetle larvae are elongated and can grow up to 1/2 inch long. They are covered in fine hairs and have distinctive tufts of hair on their bodies.
• Feeding habits: Larder beetles feed on a wide range of organic materials, including dried meats, pet food, grains, and animal hides. They can damage stored food products and fabrics.

Behavior and Habitat

Larder beetles prefer to live in dark, secluded areas where they can find a constant food source. These pests are often found in pantries, basements, crawl spaces, and storage areas where food items are kept. They are attracted to stored food products, such as dried meats, grains, and pet food, as well as fabrics and animal hides.

Larder beetles are also known to infest wildlife nests, where they feed on the remains of dead animals. They can enter homes and buildings through small cracks and openings, seeking out food sources and shelter. Once inside, they can quickly multiply and infest stored food products, causing damage and contamination.

Eliminating Larder Beetles

Getting rid of larder beetles can be challenging, as these pests are adept at hiding and reproducing quickly. However, with the right approach and the help of a professional pest control company, you can effectively eliminate larder beetles from your property. Here are some tips for identifying and eliminating larder beetles:

• Inspect your property: Start by inspecting your property for signs of larder beetle activity, such as dead beetles, larvae, and shed skins. Pay close attention to areas where food items are stored, as well as dark, secluded areas where beetles may be hiding.
• Remove food sources: Remove their food sources from your property to eliminate larder beetles. Dispose of any infested food items, such as dried meats, grains, and pet food, and store remaining food products in airtight containers to prevent further infestations.
• Clean and sanitize: Thoroughly clean and sanitize areas where larder beetles are present, such as pantries, cabinets, and storage areas. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove beetles, larvae, and eggs, and wash surfaces with soap and water to eliminate food residues and odors.
• Seal entry points: Seal cracks, gaps, and openings in your property to prevent larder beetles from entering. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal windows, doors, and vents, and repair any damaged screens or doors to keep pests out.
• Consult a professional: If you have a severe larder beetle infestation or cannot eliminate the pests on your own, consider consulting a professional pest control company for assistance. A licensed technician can inspect your property, identify the source of the infestation, and develop a customized treatment plan to eliminate larder beetles effectively.

Pied Piper Pest Control: Your Trusted Pest Control Partner

When it comes to quality pest control services in Alaska, Pied Piper Pest Control is the number one choice for residents and businesses alike. With over 50 years of experience in the industry, we have built a reputation for providing unparalleled pest control services to our customers, helping them protect their properties from a wide range of pests, including larder beetles.

Our highly skilled and knowledgeable technicians specialize in identifying and eliminating pests, using the latest tools and techniques to ensure effective results. We take pride in our commitment to customer satisfaction and provide reliable and professional pest control services that you can trust.

If you are dealing with a larder beetle infestation in your home or business, don’t wait to take action. Contact Pied Piper Pest Control today to schedule a pest inspection and develop a customized treatment plan to eliminate larder beetles from your property. With our expertise and dedication to quality service, you can rest assured that your pest control needs will be handled promptly and effectively.

Categorised in: Pest Control

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