Larder beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments such as kitchens, pantries, and storage areas; also found outdoors near animal remains, bird nests, or bee hives.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

The larvae are active crawlers and known for boring into soft wood, cork, or insulation to create a pupal chamber. Adults are often found near food sources or windows during the spring.

Risks & Benefits

Considered a household pest that can damage stored food products and textiles. However, they play an ecological role as decomposers by breaking down animal remains in nature.

Identified on: 5/11/2026