| Scientific name | Dermestes lardarius |
|---|---|
| Group | Beetles |
| Size | 7–9 mm (up to about 0.35 in) |
| Colors | Black, Tan and Brown |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Pantry or stored food, Kitchen and Basement or garage |
| Most active | Spring and Summer |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The larder beetle is a small member of the beetles group. Hard wing covers that meet in a straight line down the back. Check for these three 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
About this bug
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.
You'll usually find larder beetles in pantries and stored food, in the kitchen and in basements and garages. They are most active in spring and summer.
Is it dangerous?
Larder beetles don't bite, but larvae can bore into wood and they contaminate food.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
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.
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.
What to do about it
- 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
Read the full guide: how to get rid of larder beetles.
Bugs that look similar
Size: Larder Beetles are larger, reaching 9 mm, while varied carpet beetles top out around 3.5 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a larder beetle 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).
Does the larder beetle bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Larder beetles don't bite, but larvae can bore into wood and they contaminate food.
Where do larder beetles live?
Larder Beetles live in pantries and stored food, in the kitchen and in basements and garages.
When are larder beetles most active?
Mostly in spring and summer.