Larder Beetle

Indoors in pantries, food storage areas, near pet food, or around animal remains; outdoors under bark or in bird/animal nests.

Larvae feed on animal-based organic materials including dried meats, cured bacon, cheese, feathers, fur, dead insects, and dry pet food. Adults feed on pollen or the same animal tissues.

Adults are attracted to light and often enter homes in search of food or shelter. Larvae bore into soft substrates like wood, insulation, or cardboard when ready to pupate, which can cause structural or cosmetic damage.

Risks: Common household pest that infests stored food products and natural textiles, and can damage materials while pupating. Benefits: Serves as a natural scavenger aiding in decomposing organic animal matter.