Larder Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, larder beetles are commonly found in pantries, kitchens, basements, and attics, especially near stored food products or animal remains. Outdoors, they can be found in nests of birds and mammals, around carrion, or in beehives.

Diet & Feeding

Larder beetles are scavengers and primarily feed on animal products like dried meats, curedhams, bacon, fish, cheese, pet food, dry dog biscuits, and dried museum specimens. They are also known to feed on dead insects, nests of insects, and sometimes stored plant products.

Behavior Patterns

Adult larder beetles are attracted to light and may be found on windowsills. Larvae are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas where food sources are available. They are known for their ability to chew through packaging. Adults can fly. Both adults and larvae can be found year-round if hosts are available and conditions are favorable.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Larder beetles are considered household and stored product pests. They can contaminate food products with their bodies, shed skins, and feces. Their feeding can cause significant damage to stored animal products, furs, and taxidermy. They are not known to bite humans or transmit diseases. Benefits: In nature, they play a role as decomposers by feeding on carrion and dead organic matter.

Identified on: 8/16/2025