What Is a Spider Beetle?
Spider beetles (Mezium americanum, Ptinus fur, and Gibbium aequinoctiale) are several species of beetles belonging to the family Anobiidae. These insects get their name from looking a bit like a mite or spider—they have round abdomens and long legs that can lead to cases of mistaken identities.
Spider beetles aren’t as common as some household pests, but they can be annoying pests in some homes and are found all over the United States. They’re sometimes found in warehouses, attics, pantries, and museums, and they may be near rodent, bird, or bat excretions.
WHAT DO SPIDER BEETLES LOOK LIKE?
Spider beetles vary in appearance depending on the species:
| Species | Appearance |
| American Spider Beetle (Mezium americanum) | American spider beetles are up to 3.5 mm long and have a shiny, reddish-brown or black abdomen. The rest of the body is covered in creamy or yellow-colored hairs. |
| Whitemarked Spider Beetle (Ptinus fur) | Whitemarked spider beetles get up to 4.3 mm long. They’re normally light brown and have white hair in patches around the wing covers. Females have a more rounded abdomen compared to males. |
| Smooth Spider Beetle (Gibbium aequinoctiale) | The smooth spider beetle is very similar to the American spider beetle. However, it doesn’t have a two-tone appearance. Instead, the body and legs have a similar coloration, making it look like an oversized red mite. |
WHERE ARE SPIDER BEETLES FOUND?
Spider beetles are found in North America, normally in food-related locations. For example, they’re often found in warehouses that store things like rye, wool, wheat, spices, and textiles. They’re not very easy to spot because they normally come out at night and look for spoiled food rather than foods that are still safe for human consumption.
You might discover spider beetles in attics or walls, between floorboards, and in bakeries. Spider beetles continue to be active when it’s freezing outside, so don’t think a cold chill will kill them off.
Spider beetles like to live in moist environments, so if you’re looking for them at home, check places like your basement, crawl space, or other similar areas.
CAN SPIDER BEETLES FLY?
Not all spider beetles can fly; however, some can. For example, males of the whitemarked species are able to fly, but females cannot. Both sexes can fly in other species. If you think you have a spider beetle infestation but the beetle isn’t flying, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not a spider beetle. Only adults fly. Larvae and pupae do not.
DO SPIDER BEETLES BITE?
Spider beetles do have the potential to bite, but they rarely bite humans. They aren’t known to carry harmful diseases, so a bite usually doesn’t lead to illness.
Like with any bug bite, however, there are people who might be allergic. If you’re bitten by a spider beetle and have a reaction, it’s worth discussing your injury with your doctor or seeking emergency medical attention
MANAGING SPIDER BEETLES
If you’ve found spider beetles in your home, you can take steps to manage them. Some good DIY methods include sealing off food sources, such as grains or textiles, and relocating or destroying infested items. Failing to do this could leave the beetles with plenty of food and space to reproduce, leading to a larger infestation that spreads into different parts of the property.
If your cupboards or shelves are infested, you’ll need to empty them out and then vacuum and disinfect them. The disinfectant won’t get rid of the insects, but it will help make sure your cupboards and shelves have been thoroughly cleaned of any residue that might provide sustenance to the insects. It’s also a good idea to put food in airtight containers to keep spider beetles out while you’re getting the infestation under control.
Keep in mind that the spider beetles may be hidden in hard-to-reach places, so tackling them one at a time as you come across them may not be enough to eliminate the problem. Contact our experts to discuss your pest control options. We can help you get rid of the beetles so you can get back to enjoying your life at home.
CALL MOXIE PEST CONTROL FOR HELP WITH SPIDER BEETLES
Whether you recognize the invading pest in your home or not, we can help. Reach out to us for a free quote. We can’t wait to impress you with our friendly service and professional expertise.
SOURCES
- https://extension.psu.edu/spider-beetles
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230530120057/http://www.wci.colostate.edu/Assets/pdf/CIIFactSheets/SpiderBeetlesJan42010.pdf
- https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/spider-beetle
Author Bio
Courtney Enzor has worked in the pest control industry for about a decade. From helping you build a fly trap to giving you the best tips for identifying various bugs, she loves answering all your pest-related questions and sharing her pest-related expertise through writing. At the end of the day, she hopes her content will help people avoid mishaps and keep families happy and healthy!
