Are Larder Beetles Dangerous to Humans & Pets? Do They Bite?

Woman holding a sign with words "DANGER" - pictures of larder beetles crawling over it.

When you spot a larder beetle crawling across your pantry shelf or near pet food storage, it’s easy to go straight into panic mode. You instantly worry, “Are larder beetles dangerous?”

Let’s dive into whether you need to worry about larder beetle danger to human and pets. In this article, we explore if larder beetles can bite humans and other common concerns.

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Table of Contents

🔍 What Is a Larder Beetle?

Larder beetles (Dermestes lardarius) are part of the family Dermestidae and are known for their scavenger lifestyle. These insects are dark brown to black with a distinctive pale band across the back that’s speckled with dark dots. Adult beetles grow to about 7–9 mm long and are often found around food sources rich in protein and fat—including meat, cheese, pet food, and even dead insects or rodents.

While they can be alarming to find indoors, especially near food, they’ve been cohabitating with humans for centuries. In fact, the name “larder beetle” comes from their historical presence in old-fashioned larders—cool pantries used to store meat and dairy.

⚠️ Do Larder Beetles Bite Humans?

Here’s some good news for anyone feeling squeamish: larder beetles do not bite humans. They lack the type of mouthparts needed to pierce skin or cause any physical harm. Their primary focus is scavenging, not attacking.

Bottom line, larder beetles are not dangerous – they are more of a nuisance than anything.

skin rash on arm - do larder beetles bite humans?
Skin rashes are possible from exposure to the pantry beetle larvae, but not bites (picture provides a visual example of a skin rash, it is not an actual skin rash attributed to a larder beetle).

However, it’s important to note that their larvae (the hairy, caterpillar-like juvenile form) can cause mild irritation in rare cases. The bristly hairs on larder beetle larvae might cause an allergic reaction or skin irritation or rash in some people—especially those with existing sensitivities to insect dander or environmental allergens.

ENVU Environmental Science, reports “Hairs dislodged from the larvae may lead to skin irritation or conjunctivitis in people exposed to the insects. They play only a very minor role in disease transmission.”

But these instances are more the exception than the rule, and they’re not venomous or infectious. So if one lands on your arm, don’t panic—it’s probably just lost.

🐾 Are Larder Beetles Harmful to Pets?

Naturally, people are worried if their dogs and cats can be harmed by pantry beetles. The short answer is: they’re not directly dangerous to pets, but they can indirectly cause problems.

Here’s how:

  • Contamination of pet food: Larder beetles are drawn to dry pet kibble and treats. If they infest your supply, they can contaminate it with feces, shed skin, or larvae, making it unsafe to eat.
  • Inhalation of larval hairs: In very rare cases, pets—especially those with sensitive respiratory systems—might inhale the tiny hairs from beetle larvae, causing mild respiratory irritation.
  • Swallowing larvae or eggs: Curious pets might eat beetles or their larvae. While not toxic, this could lead to an upset stomach or vomiting.
Man in wheelchair in kitchen with his dog on his lap.

The best way to protect your pets is to store food in sealed, airtight containers and clean up spills promptly. Regularly inspect feeding areas and storage bins for signs of beetles or other pests.

It would be a good idea to change out or clean regularly any dog bed or cat bed. Their dead skin cells can also be the source of attraction for larder beetles.

Larder beetles do carry and transmit disease, so that’s something you’ll want to talk to a qualified vet about if you’re worried.

🕵️ Signs of a Larder Beetle Infestation

Even if larder beetles aren’t exactly dangerous, a full-blown larder beetle infestation is never a good sign. It can indicate:

  • Improper food storage
  • A decaying pest or rodent somewhere hidden
  • Gaps in sealing around the home, allowing beetles entry

Common signs include:

  • Beetles congregating near dry food or organic materials
  • Larvae crawling in or around food containers
  • Shed skins or tiny hairs around cupboards or baseboards

🧼 Prevention and Control Tips

Visit my more in-depth article How to Get Rid of Larder Beetles. Here are the highlights to keep these pantry pests at bay:

1. Seal food properly

Use sturdy glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Paper or cardboard boxes are easy targets for beetle larvae.

2. Maintain cleanliness

Vacuum pantry floors and kitchen baseboards regularly. Wipe up food spills immediately, especially those involving meat or pet food.

3. Inspect regularly

Check hidden areas—such as under appliances or behind baseboards—for larvae, dead insects, or rodent remains that could attract larder beetles.

4. Control humidity

Larder beetles prefer humid environments, so running a dehumidifier in damp basements or storage areas can deter them.

5. Use natural deterrents

Essential oils like peppermint, clove, and eucalyptus may help repel beetles. Use with care around pets and children.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Nuisance, Not Nemesis

Larder beetles aren’t villains—they’re opportunists. They don’t bite, sting, or spread disease, and they’re not actively hunting you or your pets. But left unchecked, they can become a nuisance and compromise food safety.

If you’re noticing more than a stray beetle or two, a thorough cleaning—and possibly professional pest control—may be in order. And if you’re the curious type, you might even appreciate these misunderstood scavengers for the niche they fill in nature’s cleanup crew.

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