Larder Beetle

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in kitchens, pantries, and storage areas, as well as outdoors in bird nests or animal carcasses.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on high-protein organic materials including dried meats, cheese, pet food, animal hides, feathers, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are active flyers and are attracted to light. They undergo complete metamorphosis; larvae are very active, covered in brown hairs, and will bore into hard substrates like wood or insulation to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered significant household and commercial pests due to their ability to damage stored food products and natural fibers. They do not bite or sting, but larval hairs can occasionally cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Identified on: 4/16/2026