Warehouse Beetles a.k.a. Storeroom Killer
The warehouse beetle is a pest that is truly insatiable feeder and a health hazard to us and animals, because of the long list of foods that it attacks and how it might affect us if we consume it. The beetle’s prime source of protein includes legumes, nuts, animal feed, barley, wheat, pollen, and stored seeds. But when the opportunity presents itself, they are known to consume animal skins, fur, hair, pet food, and dead insects as well as other animal carcasses. Warehouse beetle larvae inflict the most damage on pantry items, as adults are short-lived. This beetle can live for three years without food or water, live in a freezer, and then emerge to cause mayhem with heirloom collectables and pantries everywhere. The body of the larvae can cause gastro-intestinal irritation in susceptible individuals that result in vomiting and diarrhea. A common sign of a warehouse beetle infestation is their molted skins that the larvae cast off. If you see a couple warehouse beetles in your kitchen or larvae in stored food than you have an infestation. Once you have identified the beetle, carefully monitor and inspect all possible food sources regularly, especially items stored in containers that are not sealed tightly. Vacuum cabinets and shelves where these insects tend to collect. Do what the supermarkets do, rotate products to use the oldest stored foods first. The larvae can chew through most protective wrappings, including plastics and aluminum foil therefore store dried food products in thick Tupperware like containers or glass jars.
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