Larder beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors within pantries, kitchens, and warehouses; outdoors in bird nests or vicinity of animal carcasses.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on high-protein organic materials including dried meats, cheese, pet food, feathers, hair, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are active crawlers and often bore into nearby soft materials like wood or insulation to pupate; adults are attracted to light and are most active in spring and summer.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily a household pest that can contaminate and damage food stores; they do not bite or sting humans, but their larval hairs can cause allergic irritation in some individuals.

Identified on: 3/28/2026