warehouse and cabinet beetles

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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 2
can be furniture, mattresses, and pillows stuffed with feathers or another organic-based materials. In attics, dead rodent carcasses and bird and rodent nests are a source. Clothing and blankets stored in boxes can also be attacked. Check for old rodent and examine insulation to see if it contains animal hair (common in some old homes). Trogoderma beetles and other stored product pests can survive nicely on the nuts. Dried food items is a potential source. Be sure to inspect for any food that has spilled and has accumulated in cracks, under shelves, in pallets, or in spaces in storage racks as these can be prime breeding sources. Inspect insect light traps for Trogoderma larvae and to be sure the traps are being cleaned properly. Old rodent bait inside walls, floors and bait stations also can be a source for these beetles in buildings. Pheromone traps are available for monitoring for adult Trogoderma beetles. These traps can be placed inside to detect any activity which will then precipitate an inspection to determine the exact source of the infestation. Some warehouses employ a pest management professional to apply a space treatment (ULV treatment) at regular intervals (e.g every 3 months) to help keep the numbers of warehouse beetles and other stored product pests to as low a level as possible. 3
Page 1: FAMILY : Dermestidae WAREHOUSE BEET
Page 5 and 6: BIOLOGY AND LIFE CYCLE Adult female

warehouse and cabinet beetles

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