Liverpool
Pest Control
Larder
Beetles
The larder beetle,
Dermestes
lardarius, larva is
longer than
the adult larder beetle and thickly covered with short and long setae
which are reddish-brown to black in color. Along with the coloration is
a white undersurface.
They also have two spine-like appendages on the
posterior
end on the abdominal segment. A distinguishing feature of the spine is
that it curves backward. The black larder beetle larvae possess the
same general characteristics but instead of the spines curving, they
extend backward and are not strongly curved.
Mature larvae of both species tend to bore into hard substrates such as
wood, cork, and plaster in order to
pupate.
Larder
beetles are infrequent pests of households.
Both adults and larvae feed on raw skins and hides. Adult larder
beetles are generally 1/3 to 3/8 of an inch long and are dark brown
with a broad, pale yellow spotted band across the upper portion of the
elytra.
Three black dots
arrange in a triangle shape on each wing. The sternum
and legs of the larder beetle are covered in fine, yellow setae. Adult
larder beetles are typically found outdoors in protected areas during
the winter but during the spring and early summer they enter buildings.
Females lay approximately 135 eggs near a food source and will hatch in
about 12 days. The life cycle of larder beetles lasts around 40 to 50
days.
Modern
methods of meat slaughtering,
storage, and distribution have
reduced potential infestations of hide beetles. Proper housekeeping is
crucial for the prevention of infestations. Dead insects in homes
usually attract these beetles because they are a prime food source for
hide and larder beetles. Food must be tightly sealed or stored in a
refrigerator to avoid any beetle access. Freezing food for a week,
heating meat in a pan or microwave for prolonged lengths can kill these
insects found in infested foods and prevent them from spreading.
Application
of insecticides
must be spot
treatment to crack and crevice sites where they are suspected of
hiding. Pyrethrins
are labeled for the use against hide beetles. Also insecticides used
for carpet beetles are appropriate to use against hide and larder
beetles.[15]
0800
781 9329
0151 471 8660
Liverpool Pest
Control
Please
not that in the
event of an abortive call out i.e customer not at home, pest
mis-identified by customer, bumblebees mistaken for wasps etc there
will be a £25.00 call out charge.
Customer MUST advise us over the phone if bats are known to be present
on the property.
