Some Scary Things You Need to Know About Skin Beetles

There are well over 500 species of skin beetles
found in the Dermestidae family. These beetles
are also often referred to as leather, hide,
larder, and carpet beetles. Most range in size
from 1 to 12 millimeters. Most skin beetles tend
to have a round shape with oval brownish scales.
Typically, skin beetles feed on feathers, dead
skin, dandruff, pollen, animal hair, dead
insects, and other natural fibers. They can also
be found inhabiting carcasses of dead animals, as
well as nests formerly occupied by wasps, bees,
and birds.

Problems for Humans and Animals

Even though carpet beetles are not known to
bite living humans oar animals, they can cause a
great deal of damage to fabrics and other natural
fibers within a home or business setting. Some
species can also consume grain, and thus
contaminate foods used for animal and humans.
Since carpet beetles also inhabit carcasses,
they can also pose a number of problems in
slaughterhouses and kitchens where meat is
processed. While modern hygienic methods are
supposed to control the presence of these
beetles on farms, you may still find that
infestations will occur from time to time.
Needless to say, the pesticides most likely used
in commercial applications may also cause
problems if they get onto the meat, and into the
food supply.

Natural Solutions

For the most part, keeping your home free of
decaying animal matter is the best way to avoid
an infestation of skin beetles. This includes
making sure that your kitchen waste is removed
on a daily basis, as well as making sure that
food is not left out in other rooms. It is also
important to vacuum and shampoo carpets and
other areas where skin beetles tend to hide.

In many cases, skin beetles will get into your
home after taking up residence in wasp, bird,
and bee nests. Therefore, if you notice these
items located around your home, it may be best
to remove them as quickly as possible. While you
may not want to destroy nests created by useful
birds or bees, you can still try to move them to
a location where they will not cause your home to
become infested with skin beetles.

Many people that enjoy rare meat may not be
aware that they are also consuming eggs from
skin beetles. While these eggs may not pose a
specific health risk, the meat itself may
display characteristics of beetle infestation if
left out in the open. Depending on the species of
beetle, a single female can lay anywhere from 100
to 800 eggs during her lifetime. Therefore, if
you happen to get a piece of contaminated meat,
you can rest assured that throwing uncooked fat
and gristle into the trash will result in an
infestation of skin beetles. Aside from cooking
all meat, eggs, and dairy products thoroughly,
you may want to consider switching to a vegan
diet in order to avoid exposure to these noxious
parasites as much as possible.

Recent Outbreaks

Unfortunately, skin beetles can occur in just
about any location where insects or other forms
of animal protein are available as a food
source. Today, these insects are known
throughout the world for spoiling food, as well
as infesting slaughterhouses, businesses, and
homes.

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