Larder beetle

Natural Habitat

Often found indoors in kitchens, pantries, and storage areas, as well as outdoors in bird nests or where animal remains are present.

Diet & Feeding

Scavenges on high-protein animal products such as cured meats, dried fish, pet food, cheese, and pinned insect collections.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae do most of the feeding and can bore into soft wood, books, or insulation to pupate. Adults are often seen near windows as they try to move outdoors.

Risks & Benefits

Deemed a significant household pest due to food contamination and structural damage from boring larvae. Ecologically, they help decompose animal carcasses.

Identified on: 4/16/2026