What Are Spider Beetles?
When you hear "Spider Beetle" you probably think it's just made up, but they actually really do exist. These beetles are tiny in size and resemble a spider in terms of outer looks. They come with long legs and round, globe-like abdomens. Diet-wise they feed on a variety of things like grains, spices, aged wood, vegetables, rodent droppings, and dead bugs. They can often be found in kitchens because of their diet.
How Harmful Are Spider Beetles?
These odd pests are not the most harmful to other animals or us. Unlike most other pests, they do not destroy objects around the house either. But what they will do is ruin your food and cause it to go bad. This will eventually result in getting a bad case of loose motion or food poisoning from consuming contaminated food.
Spider Beetle Bites
Spider beetle bites are a thing, but they will not spread diseases. Their bites are more a method of defense against predators. If a person has allergy problems, they might be affected by spider beetle bites, but someone without allergies will generally not experience serious reactions.
For the most part, spider beetle bites are neither common nor very harmful, but they can happen. If you have been bitten by a spider beetle or any other kind of beetle, it is still important to contact your doctor and get it checked just in case.
Prevention of Spider Beetles
Remove Food Sources
Prevention is the hardest part when it comes to pests, but with the right efforts it is not impossible. The first thing is to remove food sources that they feed on. This will starve them, causing them to leave or die. You can opt for placing your food in sealed plastic containers. Putting them in the refrigerator is another great option.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming helps in sucking out all the tiny food particles and crumbs that you would otherwise miss. It will help you to get every last beetle as well as their eggs, nests, and larvae. It is essential to clear out their eggs with them, otherwise there is no point in exterminating — if the eggs are not removed they will simply grow and infest again. Vacuum your pantry often to prevent these beetles from building their nests.
Dehumidify Your Home
Almost all bugs love humid spaces, and spider beetles are no different. The kitchen is usually a bit more humid than other areas in the home, due to the sink and less ventilation. This humidity helps beetles to thrive. Start by dehumidifying your space with fans or dehumidifiers.
When to Call a Professional
One of the biggest problems is that you may not know if a spider beetle is causing your infestation or not. If you are unsure, call your local pest control experts for help. They will be able to tell you what kind of pest infestation you are dealing with and apply prevention techniques so you don't have to face these pests again. Contact Rest Easy Pest Control at 888-927-9842 for expert pest identification and elimination.