Larder Beetle
Contact: Eric Day, Manager, Insect Identification Laboratory
August 1996
Larder Beetle
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.