Warehouse Beetle

Trogoderma variabile

Warehouse beetle

Adult warehouse beetle (Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org)

Warehouse beetle

Left: Adult and larval warehouse beetle (Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org) Right: Carpet beetle larval hairs (hastasetae) (Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org)

Warehouse beetle

Warehouse beetle larva (Ryan Davis, Utah State University Extension)

Identification

  • 1/8 inch long
  • covered in orange, white and black scales/hairs
  • look similar to other carpet beetles; verify ID

Nesting Habits

  • lay eggs in stored food products and any animal or plant-based products

Diet

  • cake mix, candy, cereals, chocolate, cookies, corn, dog food, pasta, oats, peas, potato chips, dried fruit, rice, spices
  • anything of animal origin including dead animals and pet and human hair that has collected on the floor, etc.

Significance

  • infest and ruin food
  • hastasetae (arrow-shaped hairs) on larvae can irritate throat if consumed

IPM Recommendations

  • Inspect all incoming food items for pests.
  • Quickly clean up all spilled food products, especially in food storage areas.
  • Properly store all susceptible food items in pest-proof containers.
  • Keep food in regular rotation.
  • Keep moisture low in food storage areas by improving ventilation.
  • Dispose of infested food items.
  • Consider monitoring in food storage areas with a warehouse beetle pheromone lure and trap.

Additional Resources

IPM for Fabric and Pantry Pests: Integrated Pest Management in Sensitive Environments (University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension)