WSU Extension

Pestsense

Spider beetle

(revision date: 2/27/2014)


Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful pest management.

Biology
Spider beetles are small globular-appearing beetles and possess an obvious spider-like appearance. They feed on a wide range of foods including grain products, feathers, rodent droppings, and other insects. Spider beetles are among the most common beetles found in moldy, old food. These beetles can withstand cold temperatures and require easily accessible water for survival.
Management Options

Non-Chemical Management
  • Proper sanitation is important. Spider beetles are typically only a pest in situations with very poor sanitation.
  • Store flour and other grains in tightly-sealed containers.
  • Vacuum debris from cracks and corners of storage areas and scrub with hot water and detergent.
  • If infested material is worth saving, heating the material to temperatures of 120°-130° F for two to three hours will kill the pest.
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

None recommended. Contact a pest management professional.

Images
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Caption: Spider beetle
Photo by: Ken Gray