warehouse and cabinet beetles

BIOLOGY AND LIFE CYCLE
Adult females lay up to 90 or more eggs within the infested food
source and the larvae emerge to crawl through the food source and feed.
The larvae are very active and crawl out of infested areas into adjacent
areas to infest new food sources. The male larvae undergoes five molts
and the female six prior to pupation. The pupal stage lasts about four to
five days and the entire life cycle can be completed in as little as 45 days
in warm temperatures.
Of particular interest is the light reactivity of this beetles as
discovered by one researcher. The larva shun light and prefer the dark.
Adult females only become attracted to light after egg laying is finished.
Adult beetles can then be found in window sills and light fixtures.
DAMAGE
They infest boxes of stored, dried insects. The setae or “hairs” of
Trogoderma larvae are important health hazards and are one of the
reasons health and food regulatory officials are so concerned about
infestations of these beetles. The setae are shed within the food product
infested by the larvae and are present on the caste skins left behind after
the larvae molt. The barbs and sharp hairs on the setae can be irritating to
the mouth, esophagus and digestive tract of many people who might ingest
the setae in their food. Irritation can also occur in the skin of persons
contacting the larvae.
INSPECTION AND MANAGEMENT
Often the first indication of an infestation in a home is a single larva
or adult beetle crawling across the floor or a counter top. Adult beetles
may also be noticed in window sills or light fixtures. Larvae crawling on a
counter or a bed may easily have crawled out of the ceiling from around a
light fixture, vent or other such opening. Sites to find Trogoderma beetles
inside a home include the pantry where food items are stored, in the
garage or basement where pet foods or bird seed are stored, and in light
fixtures and window sills where dead insects have accumulated. Larvae
and cast skins may also be found under the edge of carpets where human
hair, pet hair and dead insects accumulate. Any item made of wool or silk
is also subject to attack including clothing, rugs, blankets and the lining of
suitcases. Stuffed animal heads and stuffed birds can also be a source as
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