Dermestid Beetles
The Warehouse Beetle is one of the most common and economically important stored product pests in the United States. Its larvae infest a wide variety of dried food products and can survive on materials with very low moisture content. Larval body hairs shed into food products can cause intestinal irritation and allergic reactions if consumed. The Cabinet Beetle is a common stored product pest closely related to the warehouse beetle. It infests a wide range of dried food products as well as non-food items including.
Species in This Group (2)
Warehouse Beetle
Trogoderma variabile
The Warehouse Beetle is one of the most common and economically important stored product pests in the United States.
Cabinet Beetle
Trogoderma inclusum
The Cabinet Beetle is a common stored product pest closely related to the warehouse beetle.
Key Behaviors
Larvae are the damaging stage, feeding on a wide variety of dried stored products. Larvae can enter a dormant state (diapause) and survive for extended periods without food. Cast larval skins with barbed hairs contaminate food products even after the insects are gone. Larvae feed on dried food products and organic materials, shedding irritating hairs as they grow. Can survive extended periods without food. Adults are occasionally attracted to lights. Larvae may wander considerable distances from the food source.
Risks & Concerns
Contaminates stored food products; larval hairs can cause allergic reactions and intestinal irritation if consumed. Larval setae (hairs) shed into food can cause gastrointestinal irritation, skin rashes, and allergic reactions.
Quick Comparison
| Species | Size | Color | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse Beetle | 2-3.5 mm | Dark brown to black with variable patterns of lighter brown or yellowish mottled scales on wing covers | Variable mottled coloring; larval hairs (setae) can contaminate food products and cause allergic reactions and intestinal irritation; closely related to the highly destructive khapra beetle. |
| Cabinet Beetle | 2.5-4 mm | Dark brown to black with irregular bands of reddish-brown and yellowish scales on wing covers | Slightly larger than the warehouse beetle; similar larval contamination issues with irritating hairs; commonly found in museum collections and stored food products. |
Need Help With Dermestid beetles?
If you're seeing signs of dermestid beetles in or around your home, professional treatment is the fastest way to stop the problem. Lotus Pest Control offers free inspections to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.