How to Get Rid of Larder Beetles
A dark, oblong beetle with a pale yellowish band across the front half of its back. Its hairy larvae feed on dried meats, pet food, cheese and dead insects. If you are seeing them in pantries and stored food and in the kitchen, the steps below will help you clear them out and keep them from coming back.
Quick answer
- Find and remove the food source, such as pet food or a dead animal in a wall
- Clean up dead insects from light fixtures and windowsills
- Store pet food and dried meats in sealed containers
Larder beetles don't bite, but larvae can bore into wood and they contaminate food.
Confirm you have larder beetles
Before you treat anything, make sure you are really dealing with larder beetles. Adults measure 7–9 mm (up to about 0.35 in) and are usually black, tan and brown. Look for these features:
- Dark, oblong body with a light tan band across the wing covers
- Six small black dots inside the pale band
- Bristly brown larvae with two curved spines at the tail
They are most often confused with varied carpet beetle. See the full larder beetle profile for side-by-side details.
Why you have larder beetles
Larder Beetles usually arrive inside a package of food brought home from the store. Once inside, they spread to nearby open or poorly sealed products. Long-stored items such as spices, flour, birdseed and pet food are the most common sources. They are most active in spring and summer, so expect to see more of them then.
When you'll see larder beetles
Larder Beetles are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: pantry or stored food, kitchen and basement or garage.
Step-by-step: getting rid of larder beetles
Step 1: Find
Find and remove the food source, such as pet food or a dead animal in a wall. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.
Step 2: Clean up dead insects from light fixtures
Clean up dead insects from light fixtures and windowsills. Repeat this for at least two to three weeks, since eggs and hidden insects keep appearing for a while.
Step 3: Store pet food
Store pet food and dried meats in sealed containers. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.
Natural and low-toxicity options
These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:
- Freeze small suspect items at 0°F (-18°C) for at least four days.
- Vacuum shelf corners and cracks, then wipe them with soapy water.
- Use pheromone or sticky traps to watch for new activity.
- Skip insecticide sprays in food cabinets; cleaning works better and is safer.
If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.
When to call a professional
Pantry pests rarely need a professional. Call one only if activity continues after you have removed every source, or if the problem is in a commercial kitchen or warehouse.
How to keep larder beetles from coming back
- Inspect packages for holes, webbing or live insects before buying.
- Store flour, grains, cereals, nuts and pet food in airtight containers.
- Use older products first and don't keep dry goods for years.
- Clean up spills promptly, including under appliances.
Safety notes
Larder beetles don't bite, but larvae can bore into wood and they contaminate food.
Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.
About beetles
The larder beetle is one of the beetles. Beetles go through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (grub), pupa and adult. The larval stage often does the most feeding and damage, and it can last from a few weeks to several years depending on the species. Adults protect their flight wings under hard wing covers called elytra, which is why most beetles look armored and meet in a neat line down the back.
Look closely at larvae as well as adults. Grubs in soil, fuzzy larvae in closets and small worms in flour are all beetle larvae, and finding them tells you where the problem is centered.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of larder beetles?
Find and remove the food source, such as pet food or a dead animal in a wall. Most people see a clear drop in activity within one to three weeks when they combine this with sealing entry points and removing whatever attracts them.
Are larder beetles dangerous?
Larder beetles don't bite, but larvae can bore into wood and they contaminate food.
When are larder beetles most active?
Larder Beetles are most active in spring and summer.
What do larder beetles look like?
Dark, oblong body with a light tan band across the wing covers. Adults measure 7–9 mm (up to about 0.35 in).