| Larder Beetle |
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Today, there are many kinds of pests that can infest a home. Despite the best of efforts and precautions, pests are adept in making an entry in almost any home. Lurking in various hidden places, these pests can multiply and cause much damage if they are not controlled in time. While there are many kinds of pests that can be seen infesting a home, beetles and moths are perhaps the most common pests to be seen. Among the different kinds of beetles around, Larder Beetle is a prominent name.
Dermestidae is a generic term for various beetles that can be found within the home or outdoors. Common beetles in the category include Larder Beetle, skin beetles, leather or hide beetles, khapra beetles and carpet beetles. Among the various members in the order of Coleoptera, that is beetles, larder beetles are quite easily distinguishable. With a yellow band running across their front pair of legs, these beetles are hard to miss. Interspersed with black dots, this light yellow band is a prominent feature that sets the beetle apart from others in the same category.
A Larder Beetle mainly feeds on natural fibers, feathers, animal hair or fur, pollen and dead insects. When these beetles invade a home, they usually seek out food products in the household. Preferring to lay eggs on the food source itself, these beetles can also lay eggs in various crevices and cracks in and around the pantry or larder. These beetles are known to have a special liking for animal substances as well as foods that contain fat or oil. Larvae of these beetles can commonly be seen on various products such as – smoked meat (bacon or ham), dried beef or fish, cooked meat, animal skins and fur, feathers, dried tobacco; and many other places as well.
Many a Larder Beetle can be found in a home. While some specifically infest food products, there are other varieties that seek out other substances such as dead bodies of squirrels or mice. Installation of screens and keeping doors shut are good ways of preventing the entry of adult beetles in the home. Other precautions that can be taken include sealing or plugging any crevice or gratings around the home. Ensuring that there are no dead flies accumulated anywhere and inspecting all suspected breeding places also go a long way in checking the spread of beetles. |