Welcome to our guide on Shiny Spider Beetles. If you’re looking for information on these intriguing beetles, you’ve come to the right place. We will delve into their identification, biology, common extermination techniques, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Identification
Shiny Spider Beetles, also scientifically referred to as Mezium affine, are small beetles that have an appearance similar to spiders owing to their long, slender legs. They have a round body, usually measuring around 1.5 to 3.5 mm in length.
Their name “shiny” refers to their glossy, metallic bronze-brown or even purple-toned body. These beetles possess a pair of moderately long, elbowed antennae, which may have a club-like structure at the end.
Biology
Shiny Spider Beetles are cosmopolitan in distribution, being found across a wide range of geographic locations. They are typically found in dry, dark, and undisturbed places such as attics, basements, pantries, and even museum collections.
They primarily feed on various organic materials, including but not limited to grains, seeds, flour, and dried fruits. Shiny Spider Beetles are known to feed on non-food materials such as paper, books, and animal products like fur, wool, and feathers.
The life cycle of Shiny Spider Beetles consists of egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The female can lay up to 100 eggs during her lifetime, which hatch into larvae in a few weeks. The larvae are scavengers, feeding on the same organic material as adults. The pupal stage occurs within a cocoon, where the larva spins using debris.
Extermination Techniques
Prevention is always better than cure. The best way to prevent an infestation of Shiny Spider Beetles is to maintain clean and dry storage areas and regularly check for signs of infestation.
When an infestation has been identified, the first step in extermination is identifying and discarding any infested food or materials. Following this, clean and vacuum the infested area thoroughly.
In case of severe infestations, professional pest control services may be required. They often employ chemical treatments such as insecticides, but there’s an increasing trend towards using more eco-friendly and sustainable methods, like heat treatments and diatomaceous earth.
FAQs
While Shiny Spider Beetles can be a nuisance and can cause damage to stored food and organic material, they do not bite or directly threaten human health.
Signs of infestation include damage to stored goods, particularly food items. In infested areas, you may also find adult beetles or larvae, shed skins, and cocoons.
Yes, smaller infestations can often be managed with thorough cleaning and disposal of infested goods. For large infestations, professional pest control may be required.
Are you struggling with a Shiny Spider Beetle infestation? Don’t let these pests wreak havoc in your storage areas. Call our professional extermination services today and ensure a pest-free environment. Contact us to schedule your inspection!