Skin beetles are a type of beetle that feeds on dried animal products, such as skin, hair, and feathers. They are commonly found in museums, taxidermy shops, and homes where these materials are present.
They are small, reddish-brown insects that can be difficult to control once they establish a population. We also know them as dermestids, larder beetles and hide beetles. In this article, we will discuss what skin beetles are and where do skin beetles live.
Table of Contents
What are skin beetles?
Skin beetles, also known as dermestid beetles, are a type of beetle that belongs to the family of Dermestidae. We commonly find them in various habitats, including forests, fields, and homes.
We know these beetles for their ability to clean animal skeletons, which they do by eating flesh and hair. I also know they feed on stored products such as grains and dried fruits.
Skin beetles come in a variety of sizes and colours. Some common species include the black larder, carpet beetle, and hide beetle.
Their habitats range from natural habitats such as forests to human-made habitats like homes and museums. They thrive in warm, humid environments and are often found in areas with a food source.
Skin beetles are not dangerous to humans, but they can cause damage to stored products and natural fibres in the home. They are considered a pest species and can be controlled through proper sanitation and the use of pesticides.
What do skin beetles look like?
Skin beetles, also known as dermestid beetles, come in various sizes, shapes, and colours, depending on the species. However, most adult beetles are small to medium-sized insects, measuring between 1/8 to 1/4 inch long.
Some common characteristics of skin beetles include:
- Oval or elongated body shape
- Hard exoskeleton
- Short, hairy, or scaly antennae
- Wings, but most species are poor flyers
- Brightly coloured patterns on their back
Some species of skin beetles have distinct markings on their bodies. For example, the black larder beetle has a black body with a tan band across the middle.
The varied carpet beetle has a black-and-white patterned body. The furniture carpet beetle has dark brown to the black body.
The larvae of skin beetle may look different from the adults; they are usually more elongated and covered in hair.
What do skin beetles eat?
Skin beetles, also known as dermestid beetles, feed on various food sources. We often find them in homes and museums, where they can cause damage to stored products, fabrics, and other natural fibres. As we know, where do skin beetles live?
Some fibre food sources for skin beetles include:
- Animal products: we know Skin beetles for cleaning animal skeletons by eating the flesh and hair. They feed on feathers, taxidermy mounts, and other animal-based materials.
- Stored products: These beetles can feed on stored products such as grains, cereal, nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate. They can also infest pantries, kitchens and other storage areas.
- Natural fibre can feed on natural fibres such as wool, silk, and other fabrics. They can cause damage to clothing, upholstery, and other household items.
- Dead insects: we have known some skin beetles to feed sets, pollen and nectar.
The larvae of skin beetles have different food preferences than the adults. They may prefer to feed on various materials or sources.
We should note that skin beetles can damage the natural fibres in homes, museums, and other buildings.
Do skin beetles bite?
Skin beetles do not bite humans. I do not know them to be aggressive and do not threaten human health or safety.
Skin beetles are not venomous, and their jaws are not strong enough to bite humans or animals.
However, people can develop allergic reactions to beetles or debris, such as their faeces, cast skins or even their remains. Consult a medical professional if you have an allergic reaction or develop a skin rash.
You should keep your food, store items in sealed containers, and regularly clean and vacuum to remove potential food sources.
If you suspect an infestation, it’s best to consult a controlled professional to get rid of them.
Can skin beetles infest my home?
Yes, skin beetles can infest homes and other buildings. They feed on various food sources, including animal products, stored products, and natural fibres. These fibres’ homes, pantries, kitchens and other storage areas are ideal habitats for them.
Skin beetles can damage tattoos, animal-based artefacts, and other natural fibres.
They can enter homes through open doors, windows, cracks, and crevices in the foundation. They can also be brought into the home unknowingly on clothing, bags, or other items.
What are the signs of a skin beetle infestation?
Here are a few signs that may show a skin beetle infestation:
- A female can fly or crawl around your house if it is 1/8 to 1/4 inches long.
- Damage to stored products or natural fibres: Skin beetles can cause damage to stored products such as grains, cereal, nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate.
- They can also infest pantries, kitchens and other storage areas.
- They can also cause damage to natural fibres such as wool, silk, and other fabrics.
- They can eat holes or cause discolouration.
- Presence of shed skins, faeces, or carcasses: Skin beetles go through several stages of development and will shed their skins as they grow. We can also find their faeces and carcasses in infested areas.
- Foul odour: A strong, musty smell may be present in areas where skin beetles are active.
- Webbing or cocoons: Some skin beetles spin webbing or cocoons where they deposit eggs or pupae.
Not all signs are present in every infestation, and some infestations may be difficult to detect.
Final Words
If you suspect that you have a skin beetle infestation, it’s best to consult with a pest control professional.
They can identify the specific species of skin beetles and recommend control measures. We believe that in this blog post, you learned more about where skin beetles live and the common facts about them.
Related Articles
What are blister beetles and what kills blister bugs?
What Is Stag Beetle And Where Do Stag Beetles Live?
What is sap beetles? | Myths and facts with a complete guide
What is click beetle? | 11 Amazing Facts About Click Beetles