Harm caused by spider beetles in the home

Harm caused by spider beetles in the home

Despite their small size, spider beetles can cause considerable damage to stored items. Their main harms include:

Food damage

• Both adults and larvae feed on grains, rice, flour, dried fruits, and herbs.
• They also eat dried fish, jerky, pet food, and other proteinaceous foods.
• Contaminated food shows powder, frass, and cast skins.
• Severe infestations can hollow out entire bags of grain.

Damage to other items

• They chew on furs, down garments, and woolen items.
• They bore holes in books and paper products to nest.
• They damage animal and insect specimens.
• They reproduce in Chinese herbal medicines, rendering them ineffective.

Rapid reproduction

• A female lays dozens of eggs at a time.
• At favorable temperatures (25-30°C), eggs hatch in about a week.
• Development from egg to adult takes about 2-3 months.
• Without prompt action, a large infestation can develop quickly.

Control points

• Spider beetles are not picky; all grains and dry goods must be stored in airtight containers, especially animal-based foods (dried fish, jerky, pet food).
• Also pay attention to furs and down garments in wardrobes—larvae feed on animal fibers.
• After discovery, first locate the food source and discard it, then clean the environment with a vacuum and food-grade diatomaceous earth.
• Focus on long-neglected corners, bookcases, and specimen boxes—these are potential hidden breeding sites.