Larder Beetle

How to tell if you have Larder beetles 

• Often the first indication of an infestation is finding the moulted skins of the larvae. However, sightings of several adults can also point to this.
• Adults are 7-9 mm long and can reach 14 mm in length.
• Larder beetles have a black with a whitish band across the fore-part of the wing case.
• Larder beetles are brown in colour and hairy.
• Larvae are distinguished by their comet shape, and these quick moving insects are known to migrate to pupate in solid material.
• They are now commonly found in birds’ nests, poultry units and domestic properties where they will attack products of animal origin, such as feathers, skins, dried meat, high protein pet foods. The source of infestation is often the body of a rodent, dead bird or a bird’s nest in walls, voids, or roof-spaces.

Upon identifying an infestation,  DO NOT tidy up any evidence just Contact Us and we will help with the next step in preparing a eradication program.

The program will consist of :-

• We would start with a thorough inspection of all known and suspected spots where they might be hiding.
• Customer to try get a sample us to identify.
• We only carry out a treatment when a confirmed infestation is present as this is the correct thing to do for many reasons, but the main one is cost savings. There is no point in paying to try and kill something that is not even present.
• Identifying the insect species causing the problem.
• Education explaining the life cycle and how their habits, habitat and behavior affects the control plan.
• Treating affected areas by using safe an effective control products.
• Scheduling a follow-up visit if required

All Stored product pests cause tremendous damage and economic losses to stored grains and seeds, packaged food products, and animal and plant-derived items and products. Besides causing direct damage by feeding.

Prevention

To help prevent a return of larder beetles, you should maintain an environment free of temptations. Use disinfectant spray regularly to remove scraps of possible food. If you find a beetle, simply bag up the infested object or food and throw it out. Seal all openings into attics and partitions and also baseboards. Installing tightly fitted doors and window screens can also help prevent larder beetles from entering your home as a preventative action.

• Practice strict sanitation measures. Thoroughly clean storage facilities beforehand by use of a strong suction vacuum cleaner to eliminate favorable development places.
• Keep buildings in good physical condition to reduce entry.
• Rotate food and nonfood stock; move out oldest stock first.
• Identify species correctly.
• Removing the infested material and thorough cleaning with a vacuum is usually sufficient. As a precaution against reinfestation, store susceptible foods in tightly sealed glass, metal or heavy plastic containers or in the refrigerator or freezer. Always inspect susceptible food items before purchasing.