Larder Beetle

Facts About Larder Beetles

Beetles are oftentimes confused for cockroaches, not just because of appearances, but their similar habits as well. Much like many species of cockroaches and flies, the larder beetle has developed a taste for decomposing material and meat. This love of decaying material makes them helpful to the decomposition process (often speeding it up considerably) but also a nuisance to humans who want to keep them away from the trash and their homes.

They can be found all across the U.S. but are more common in warmer areas. Their most active months stretch from the mid-summer to early fall, when they begin to search for places to survive the winter — often inside your home.

Larder Beetle Bites

Larder beetles are not known to bite or sting people. These pests can contaminate dried meat, pet food, and other products they like to feed on.

Diet & Behavior

Beginning their life in decaying animals, or decomposing meat. After hatching the immediate goal of this beetle is to search out and find more food. When natural sources aren’t available the search for survival will often bring them indoors to your homes. Once it is known that your house makes the perfect cafeteria, the beetle may try to find a way to reproduce there.

When developing the larder beetle is immersed in some sort of food, typically decomposing meat. This means that from an early age they begin eating any sort of decomposed material, a diet that continues through to adulthood. While preferring decay, these beetles are not at all above snacking on some of the fresher foods in your kitchen or garbage. One common report from homeowners is discovering these beetles in bags of pet food. The larder beetle often uses this pet food not as a shelter, but as a meal, along with other organic materials placed low to the ground (making them easier to access).

Types of Larder Beetles

Larder Beetle Identification

This larger oval-shaped beetle is an almost all-black-colored insect with a band of gold/amber across its midsection. Inside the colored band are several small black dots. Its antenna branch horizontally rather than straight out away from its body, and are relatively short in length.

Identifying Larder Beetles

Dark corners, hidden areas of the basement, and infrequently trafficked attics are common places for the larder beetle to settle in. They often move at nighttime towards the kitchen where they may find food, and may even be found in the darker areas behind drawers and cupboards. Entry is usually gained through the lower floor, often via an open window or door.