Warehouse Beetle
Trogoderma variable
Warehouse Beetle Facts
The warehouse beetle is one that will be found in any place where things are stored, giving it its name. They are scavengers, so the warehouse beetle will fly from place to place to find its nutrition. While they are named for the places they are always found in, warehouse beetles usually only feed in warehouses instead of actually living in them.
Warehouse Beetle Bites
These pests are not known to bite or sting humans, but they will destroy your dried food products. Warehouse beetles will happily eat oatmeal, cereal, corn, flour, pet food and many other foods found in your pantry. Accidentally eating the warehouse beetle larvae or shed skins can cause intestinal problems.
The larvae of the warehouse beetle may also cause problems. Because of the hair on their bodies, they may irritate the respiratory and digestive systems of anyone who accidentally ingests them.
Warehouse Beetle Infestation
Females will lay more than 90 eggs in a food source, and they will hatch within a week’s time. The larvae are about ¼ of an inch long are are tan in color with lots of hair. They will begin crawling in the food and feeding immediately, moving from one source to another once food is exhausted. Larvae will be found in darker spaces, whereas adult females will be out in the open after laying eggs. Once the larvae reach pupation, they will take another five days to develop into adults. In all, their lifespan will last up to six months.
Types of Warehouse Beetles
Warehouse Beetle Identification
These beetles are about ⅛ of an inch long with oval-shaped bodies that are black or brown in color. They will have three lines across their bodies that are either gray, gold, or reddish-brown. Their hairy wings will either be brown or a dark yellow.
Warehouse Beetles In The House & The Garden
Warehouse beetles will make their homes in grain products like cereals seeds. They have a hearty appetite and will eat whatever is available. This includes fabric, dead organic matter, pet food, pasta, and spices to name a few. They only thing they won’t eat is whole grain. Warehouse beetles can become quite the pain because food may often need to be replaced if it is contaminated on a regular basis.
While warehouse beetles love to eat, they can actually survive for up to a year without food during diapause, or the time in which development becomes inactive because of environmental conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get Rid of Warehouse Beetles in the Home?
In order to get rid of the warehouse beetle, you will first need to find the source of the infestation. A good place to start would be with any infested items like food or clothing.
Check to see there are any signs of the beetles in your food. Small holes in packaging may be one indicator that the warehouse Bbeetle is present. Throw away any food that the beetles are seen in.
Clean, sweep, and vacuum your pantry and other place where you may handle food. Take care of any spills or crumbs that may be attractive to the beetles. Remember to store your food in airtight containers. Your food will not only be fresher, but these containers will help keep out any unwanted insects.
When you buy new food, throw out the old stuff. New food items like cereals can easily be infested if the beetles are present in existing products. Never buy any items that are opened or damaged in the first place. These may already be infested, increasing the risk of bringing the beetle into your home.
Attempt to keep your home dry. The warehouse beetle thrives in warm, moist environments. It will also help if you can get rid of potential breeding grounds. warehouse beetles may take up residence in other rodent and insect nests and travel inside. If you have other pest traps and baits around your home, throw them out as soon as they are used up because other pests may breed in them once they are no longer a threat.
Benefits of Professional Warehouse Beetle Pest Control
A pest management professional has the education, equipment and skills necessary to effectively address a warehouse beetle problem. Finding and treating the warehouse beetles can be challenging, especially if they are spread throughout your yard. A pest management professional provides their expertise to identify the pest problem and determine the best possible solution to resolve the warehouse beetle infestation.
