Larder Beetle - Maheu&Maheu

Larder Beetle Beetles

Elimination

When dealing with a dermestes infiltration, it is first necessary to check every corner of the house where dust, animal hair and food residues can accumulate (behind and under household appliances for example) because these insects consume animal fibers (proteins). If we only find adults, as these come from outside, a cleaning of the parts and window frames should be sufficient.

In the event that larvae are found, a thorough cleaning of strategic areas such as behind the fittings of electrical outlets and switches as well as around the piping and electrical wires at the junction of the wall is necessary.

For more severe infestations, intervention is required in the attic space. This is where the dermeste’s main food source is: the pollenia of the earthworm, a fly that enters our homes in the fall to spend the winter sheltered. To do this, we will use the vacuum cleaner to remove as many of these food sources as possible. Ladybugs that overwinter in structures can also support a population of larder beetles. We must not ignore past problems such as the presence of rodents: some species have food reserves that can be devoured by pesticides, even old rodenticides can be consumed! In addition, it is strongly advised to inspect and vacuum under the insulation near the ducts and wiring that descend into the house (empty or dispose of the recovery container afterwards).

Finally, if the situation persists, the intervention of our certified technicians remains a safe and effective solution. An intervention involves providing access to structural voids and that treated surfaces should not be washed for about a month to allow the product to work effectively.

Before any intervention, it may be necessary to remove all equipment from the pantry. Subsequently, it is strongly suggested to place sheets of paper on the shelves before replacing the food in order to prevent the containers from coming into contact with treated surfaces.

Actions

Vacuum everywhere (empty receptacle/dispose of bag)
Request assistance from one of our pest management experts

Prevention

Add screens to attic vents
Seal the outsides of windows, doors, eaves, chimneys, etc. as completely as possible

Description and development

The Larder Beetle belongs to the Dermestidae family of beetles. It is dark brown or black as an adult with a yellowish stripe across its back showing six dark spots. It is about 8 mm (1/3”) long. As a larva, it is shaped like a little brown, slightly fuzzy worm 3 to 5 mm in length with two distinctive-looking hooks at the rear. These hooks, which are called urogomphi, are what allow us to tell the various Dermestidae species apart.

The Larder Beetle’s life cycle runs six weeks. There can be two generations of Dermestidae per year. Each adult female lays some 50 banana-shaped eggs. After six to eleven days, the eggs hatch and a small larva emerges from each. During its development, the larva will shed its skin four or five times, enter a period of rest, then complete its transformation into an adult.

Habits

The larval stage of the Larder Beetle is the most harmful to homeowners. The larvae, once they have completed their development, move about at random through cracks, openings, and fixtures until they occupy every room of the house. They are very common in newly built houses. Like the larvae, adults feed off foods rich in protein—dried meat, ham, fresh pork, bacon, dried fish, cake, cheese, as well as dead insects (mainly cluster flies and lady beetles), rodents, and birds in attics and roof spaces.

Tips

To avoid a repeat of the problem in subsequent years, you must prevent flies, lady beetles, and other insects from getting into the house before winter. One way to do this is by putting screens on air vents and soffits and by sealing unnecessary openings. Certain measures can also be taken around the outside of the house to prevent insects from getting in. These are handled by our technicians.

Dead insects are excellent breeding sites and choice food sources for young Dermestidae larvae, so keep a close eye on the roof area or attic, as the case may be. These are often spots where flies and other insects make their way in.

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