They are feared by landlords and homeowners and cause panic among those directly affected. When bacon beetles have settled in the apartment, images of neglected apartments come to mind. In fact, the insects can get into clean apartments by accident.

Bacon beetles cannot be overlooked

Table of Contents

Show all
  1. the essentials in brief
  2. harmful effect
  3. Fight bacon beetles
  4. prevention
  5. Bacon beetle at a glance
  6. identify larvae
  7. bacon beetle species
  8. habitats and way of life
  9. frequently asked Questions

    10. the essentials in brief

    • Bacon beetles are regarded as followers of cultures and are storage, hygiene and material pests. Their larvae have dense bristles and can cause allergies.
    • The harmful insects can be killed by exposure to heat or cold. Traps or the use of predatory beneficial insects have proven to be effective. Chemical agents are only effective if used thoroughly and pose health risks.
    • Bacon beetles come into the home via pet food or through open windows. Hygiene measures serve to prevent infestation.
    • In addition to the common bacon beetle, there are three other species that are widespread. Their larvae feel comfortable in dark niches.

    Is the bacon beetle dangerous?

    If the bacon beetle has settled in the vicinity of humans, control measures are advisable. The insect can reproduce well under normal temperatures in homes and apartments, producing up to six generations per year. If no measures are taken against the bacon beetle population over a long period of time, this can lead to severe damage and a mass infestation. The bacon beetle is regarded as a successor to cultures and is a material and hygiene pest.

    Beware of the bacon beetle larva

    The bacon beetle produces larvae with a showy appearance. They protect themselves from predators with long bristles. These hairs can be spread through the air in the room and cause allergies. The larvae look for an undisturbed hiding place to pupate. They drill into hard materials such as wooden beams.

    Where larvae like to hide:

    • under carpets
    • behind baseboards
    • in drawers
    • between slatted frames

    Feeding damage by adult insects

    Bacon beetles will eat just about anything - even dead fish

    The bacon beetle is considered an omnivore, feeding on a variety of organic matter. He eats not only bacon, meat, cheese and fish but also bottle corks, cigars, textiles and woolen goods. The beetle leaves roundish holes in the fabric of clothing and gnaws off the hair ends of furs. If food is infested, there is a risk of fecal contamination. Allergic reactions and problems in the gastrointestinal tract can occur when the excrement is inhaled or after consumption.

    Consequences of a bacon beetle infestation:

    • Condensation in infested niches, which promotes mold
    • Concern and feelings of disgust are triggered in humans
    • can destroy zoological collections

    Serious health risks or bites from the bacon beetle are not to be feared.

    What to do against the bacon beetle?

    In the early stages, it is often sufficient to practice thorough hygiene and remove all damaged materials from your household. Further cleaning measures or the use of chemical pesticides can become superfluous.

    behaviour rules

    If you want to get rid of the bacon beetle, you have to monitor the population development over a longer period of time. It can take six weeks for the egg to develop into an adult beetle. Collect all larvae and beetles periodically over the next two months to render them harmless.

    Remove infested food from the household by packing it in a well-sealed plastic bag and disposing of it with household waste. If you discover signs of grazing on your clothes, you should take them to a dry cleaner.

    Instructions for elimination:

    • Washing at low temperatures is ineffective
    • at 60 degrees Celsius all developmental stages die within ten minutes
    • by freezing in the freezer at less than -20 degrees Celsius, beetles and larvae die after a few days

    Eliminate bacon beetles by using traps

    Pheromone traps have proven effective in controlling the bacon beetle. These are based on species-specific signaling substances that the beetles use to communicate with one another. Just a few isolated molecules of these messenger substances are sufficient to attract the males. If they get caught in the trap, they stick to an adhesive surface. They can no longer free themselves by their own efforts and die, interrupting the reproductive chain.

    Ichneumon wasps against bacon beetles

    Ichneumon wasps (€22.99) are among the beneficial insects whose offspring parasitize in the bacon beetle larvae. The females lay their eggs in the larvae so that the next generation after hatching has an optimal supply of food. Bacon beetle larvae are eaten from the inside. There is no danger of parasitic wasps multiplying in large numbers after application.

    Advantages of parasitic wasps:

    • convenient application: Place cards with parasitic wasp eggs in the affected rooms
    • no dangers: Ichneumon wasps do not infest plants or supplies
    • safe combat: Beneficial insects die when there are no more host animals left

    Camp pirates as larva annihilators

    The assassin bug sucks the life out of the bacon beetle

    The assassin bug Xylocoris flavipes is known as a camp pirate because of its behavior. It exhibits predatory behavior and can be used effectively against storage pests. The predators confuse their prey with scents and then inject a deadly poison through their mouthparts. After the prey has died, they are sucked out by the assassin bugs. Since the beneficial insects prefer larvae and eggs, they are ideal for controlling bacon beetle larvae.

    Shy larvae: combated by dust silicates

    The fine silicate particles settle on the body surface of the larvae and beetles. They have a strong abrasive effect, destroying the insects' protective wax layer. At the same time, silicate dust has an absorbing effect, so that the pests die from drying out within a short time. Larvae and beetles must be dusted as thickly as possible so that the agent can develop its full effect. A mere deployment on the potential gangways is usually not enough. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fine dust particles.

    Chemical agents as a last resort

    Insecticides should not be used by untrained individuals. Most poisons are contact insecticides, which can also have negative effects on human health. The substances usually only have a short-term effect and must be used more frequently. The control success decreases if you do not capture all individuals. Contact insecticides are not enough, especially for the well-hidden larvae.

    pyrethrum

    This active ingredient is obtained from the Dalmatian insect flower and affects the nervous system of the insect. The pests ingest the poison through the body surface, through breathing or with food. There is massive damage to the nerves until the pests finally die.

    Disadvantages of pyrethrins:

    • are toxic to all insects and fish
    • decompose on exposure to daylight
    • effective for a short time, which is why frequent applications are necessary

    Pistal is an effective remedy that falls under the category of natural insecticides. It contains chrysanthemum extract and works similar to pyrethrum. Pistal can be used in spray or powder form and sprayed behind cabinets and baseboards. Pupae and inactive larvae have a low metabolic rate, which is why it is important to ensure that the exposure time is long enough.

    Prevent a bacon beetle infestation

    Good hygiene in the house can prevent a bacon beetle infestation

    In order to prevent an infestation by the bacon beetle, you should observe a few rules of conduct. The most important measure is to close all entry routes such as windows and air shafts. Fly screens and insect gauze ensure that pests are denied access to your home. Deprive the beetles of their livelihood. Hiding places should be checked regularly for an infestation. Bacon beetles feel comfortable in house dust and are attracted to dander and human body odor, which is why you should pay attention to thorough hygiene:

    • Wash clothes before storing them in the closet and let them dry well
    • Beat out and vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture
    • Bird keepers should remove droppings and feathers regularly
    • Vacuum pet hair daily
    • air daily, especially in the bathroom and kitchen

    seal joints

    Bacon beetles and their larvae find ideal hiding places in apartments with wooden floors. Hair and food residues accumulate in the joints, which provide food for the insects. Thoroughly clean such gaps and then seal the joints. In this way, no dirt can be deposited and larvae that have already pupated are trapped so that the beetles cannot fly out after metamorphosis.

    Possible causes of an infestation

    Nests of birds or wasps located near the dwelling can be a cause of pest development. Bacon beetles feel particularly at home in pigeon lofts. Also check dark attics for the activity of uninvited lodgers. The beetles can get into the apartment unnoticed through used furniture or other furnishings. The insects are often introduced via dry food for dogs and cats.

    background

    The behavior of the bacon beetle

    Common bacon beetles are good fliers and not particularly sensitive to cold. They are based on light sources. The flying insects can fly remarkable distances and get close to humans over long distances. They fly through air shafts until they reach the light, or enter the building through open windows and doors. The larvae lead a secret life and withdraw into dark niches. With their mouthparts, the larvae can bore into various materials:
    • Cardboard, styrofoam or thick stacks of paper
    • cork or tobacco bales
    • mortar and wood

    Interesting facts about bacon beetles

    The bacon beetle belongs to the genus Dermestes, a lower classification of the bacon beetle family. Worldwide, this includes 50 genus with about 1,300 different species. In Central Europe, including Dermestes lardarius, 68 species are native. Bacon beetles are pests that are widespread worldwide because they appear as followers of cultures. They are used to remove meat from animal skeletons.

    youtube

    Related bacon beetles of other genera:

    • Attagenus: black colored fur beetles that eat fur, wool and grain products
    • trogoderma: Khapra beetles and Berlin beetles, which grow to about three millimeters in length
    • anthrenus: Museum beetles that are rounded and a few millimeters long

    reproduction and oviposition

    Bacon beetles mate when the thermometer rises above 16 degrees Celsius. In the human environment, adult beetles are able to reproduce in winter. A female can produce up to 150 eggs, which are laid singly or in small clusters. The female does not build a nest, but looks for a suitable food substrate to lay her eggs. In nature, the insects are found in abandoned bird nests, beehives or in the layer of sludge under deciduous trees. They feed on feathers, dead young birds or carrion.

    Development of the bacon beetle: larvae

    After the larva hatches, it goes through several stages of development. The development time is strongly influenced by the temperatures and can vary between one and five months. The larvae usually molt five times and hibernate if necessary.

    • entire development takes about 1.5 months at 25 degrees Celsius
    • at 15 degrees Celsius, larval development takes five months
    • Males have four to five larval stages
    • Females go through five to six stages of development

    From larva to pupa

    The maggots usually bore into wood to pupate there. They leave burrows in hard materials, which is why bacon beetle larvae come into question as pests of commercial goods. Pupation takes place in the last larval shell. Larvae and pupae casings contaminate food and materials.

    lifespan

    While in the wild there is often only one generation per year, bacon beetle larvae develop very quickly in heated rooms. They can develop up to six or rarely eight generations per year. Under normal conditions, bacon beetles have a life expectancy of several months. This can extend to a year in a human environment.

    identify larvae

    The larvae hardly resemble the adult beetle

    The larvae of all bacon beetles are clearly segmented and have long bristles. The individual links are dark brown in color with white ringing. The bacon beetle larvae are distinguished from larvae of related beetles by the strong bristly hairs with long and short hairs. The larvae of the bacon beetle reach a length of 17 millimeters. The body tapers towards the end of the abdomen, the head of which is indistinctly separated from the rest of the body. In the chest area, bacon beetle maggots have three pairs of legs. The abdomen ends in two small thorn-like appendages.

    tips

    Regularly beat or brush down carpets and upholstered furniture. This removes skin flakes and hair, which prevents the larvae from nesting.

    What species of bacon beetle are there?

    Bacon beetles reach a size between one and ten millimeters. Your body appears compact and is built roundish to oval. The species differ greatly in appearance, and they all have a brown to black basic color. Some species develop red, brown, or yellow spots on the elytra, while others develop colored bands or spots.

    The upper surface can be smooth, scaled or hairy. Bacon beetle larvae have an elongated body that is densely covered with bristly tufts of hair. Only a few species also develop guard hairs.

    Common bacon beetle Bacon Beetle Peruvian bacon beetle
    optimal temperature 25 degrees Celsius 27 to 30 degrees Celsius 25 degrees Celsius
    humidity 65 percent 85 percent 80 percent
    development time 48 days 45 to 60 days more than 60 days

    Common bacon beetle

    This widespread species bears the scientific name Dermestes lardarius and develops a typical pattern on the elytra. While the front area is yellowish in color and has three black dots on each elytra, the rear half of the elytra appears black. There are yellowish hairs in the front area. The beetle reaches a length of between seven and nine millimeters. Its oval body is fully scaled.

    Favorite food:

    • Carrion and animal carcasses or stuffed animals
    • Raw hides, horn, hooves and leather
    • feathers, wool and skins
    • textiles and furs
    • Bacon, ham, sausage, hard cheese, egg noodles

    Bacon Beetle

    The bacon beetle is slightly hairy

    This species is known by the scientific name Dermestes maculatus and is considered a storage pest that is distributed worldwide as a successor to crops. Its German name was derived from the small thorns that sit at the end of the elytra. The elytra are brownish, gray or brown-black in color and covered with black hairs interspersed with white hairs. The bacon beetle is colored white underneath. It reaches a body length between five and ten millimeters. The yellowish hairy shield between the front and abdomen is typical.

    Bacon beetles infest:

    • fatty foods: dried fish, ham, bacon
    • Clothes made of real hair: woolen textiles, skins, furs
    • Bedding: Down pillows and duvets
    • animal materials: preparations, insect collections, leather
    • Furnishings: wooden furniture

    Peruvian bacon beetle

    When you compare pictures of the Peruvian bacon beetle to the thorn bacon beetle, the first thing you notice is a size difference. Dermestes peruvianus is usually slightly longer than its related species. The body length varies between seven and ten millimeters. The elytra are dark brown or black in color and shiny.Typical is the uniform yellowish-white hair, which is only thin and sparse in comparison to the bacon beetle.

    Occurrence of the storage pest:

    • in canteen kitchens, food processing plants or private households
    • common in big cities
    • infect products containing keratin such as bacon, cheese, dried meat and fish
    • can also be found in dry food for dogs and cats or on chewing bones

    Striped bacon beetle

    Dermestes bicolor is black in color and between seven and nine millimeters long. The deep longitudinal furrows, which are particularly pronounced in the rear part of the elytra, are striking. The striped bacon beetle has yellowish hairs in the shoulder area and on the pronotum. Adult beetles are attracted by natural and artificial light sources, which is why the storage and material pests often get into apartments and houses. They cause problems similar to those of the bacon beetle.

    Where bacon beetles feel at home

    Bacon beetles are often brought in with cat or dog food

    Bacon beetles can also spread in clean private households. The insects are often introduced via dog and cat food and then spread unnoticed. Another possibility is the arrival of adult beetles from outside. While adult beetle beetles are attracted to light sources, their larvae are photophobic. They hide in the house and in the apartment in all places that are dark and have a high humidity.

    tips

    Do not place upholstered furniture directly against the wall but at a distance. This allows the air to circulate and prevents a humid microclimate.

    Help: bacon beetle larva in bed

    The insects also crawl between the slats of the slatted frame. If you find larvae of the bacon beetle in the bed, you should remove them and thoroughly clean all spaces. Shake out your bedding and check the blankets and pillows for signs of eating. Dry cleaning at more than 50 degrees Celsius ensures that the pests die off within a few hours.

    What prevents the spread of pests:

    • Vaporize tea tree oil in an aroma lamp
    • Lay out cedar wood in the bed box
    • Store eucalyptus leaves or sprigs of lavender on the windowsill

    Bacon beetle larva In the closet

    The larvae find optimal living conditions in the closet. Between the textiles there is sufficient food in the form of dander and hair, or the insects feed on wool sweaters, furs and leather. They crawl between clothing or burrow into wood to pupate there.

    Wipe down shelves with a damp cloth and cleaning solution. Soda dissolved in water is ideal for disinfecting. Also think about cleaning the drawers and spaces behind the closet. Check the closet walls for feeding aisles where pupae may be.

    frequently asked Questions

    Are bacon beetles dangerous for cats?

    Bacon beetles are not dangerous to cats. However, it is possible that beetles or larvae get caught in the fur of your house tiger during its raids. In this way they are dragged into the apartment, where the larvae retreat to a protected hiding place. It is far more likely that the beetles will be attracted by the smell of dead mice. Overall, the risk of a bacon beetle infestation does not noticeably increase for cat owners.

    Can you buy bacon beetle?

    The insects are not only harmful, but also serve useful purposes. The beetles are the preferred choice for taxidermy because they remove soft tissue from animal skeletons. They thoroughly clean the bones without the skeleton falling apart. Therefore, various species of bacon beetle, such as the easy-to-breed thorn bacon beetle, are available for purchase.

    Do bacon beetles bite humans?

    Beetles and larvae have powerful mouthparts that allow them to eat through a variety of materials. They damage building materials such as wood or mortar and leave marks on bottle corks. The human skin is usually spared. For humans there is no danger of being bitten by the bacon beetle.

    Why are there so many dead bacon beetles on the windowsill?

    Numerous species of the bacon beetle family are positively phototactic. They are attracted to sunlight once temperatures rise above 16 degrees Celsius. They gather in front of the closed window, where they die. If you find a large cluster of dead bugs on your windowsill, an infestation is likely. Then check food and clean all niches.

    Are bacon beetles useful?

    In nature, insects perform important ecosystem functions. As scavengers, they are instrumental in decomposing animal carcasses. The larvae feed mainly on keratin and are therefore among the food specialists. Keratin is a water-insoluble protein found in hair, horn and feathers. In this way, insects keep nature clean.

    In the home, this useful function quickly turns into a disadvantage, because under optimal conditions, insects multiply several times a year. Larvae and adult beetles feed on various materials and foods that can become contaminated with feces. The thread-like faeces can be seen particularly well on a light background. Larvae promote the formation of condensation in niches, which increases the risk of mold growth.

Category:

Animals in the garden