Key Features:
‘Spider Beetles’ actually refers to a group of beetles with globular abdomens and fairly long legs, superficially resembling small spiders, 3-4mm long.

Biology:
General scavengers of all sorts of animal and vegetable debris and stored food, spider beetles are frequently associated with old birds' nests. The Golden Spider Beetle is covered with golden hairs whilst the Globular Spider Beetle is a shiny, dark brown colour. The Australian Spider Beetle is by far the commonest species.

Adults may feign death when disturbed. The female lays up to 1,100 eggs, which are sticky. The fleshy larvae roll up when disturbed but when ready to pupate wander about and may get into cracks and crevices in floors or shelves.

Distribution:
As general scavengers, spider beetles are primarily warehouse pests. Spider beetles also thrive in older buildings, where they are able to find plenty of cracks and crevices to use as harbourages.

Significance:
Although spider beetles do not bite or sting, spread diseases, or damage furniture, they are scavengers and can attack stores of various cereals and grains.

Control:
Badly infested foods should be disposed of immediately. Minor infestations can be treated either with high or low temperatures to kill the insects; residual insecticides can be used to treat harbourages in cracks and crevices but not for insects in food stores.

If you have a problem with spider beetles, Safeguard can help you! Contact us today for more information.