Spider beetle
categories: Fact Sheet Food and Fabric Pests
revision date: 2025-05-06 09:11
Photo by: Ken Gray
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
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful pest management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- 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.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- None recommended
Additional Image
Photo by: M. Bush
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.
Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.
Right click here and select Copy Link to copy fact sheet URL