Finding those pesky little red legged ham beetles crawling around your pantry or pet food can be really annoying. Even worse – they can cause some serious damage if left unchecked! But don’t worry, this guide has got you covered on how to get rid of these obnoxious pests for good.
What are Red Legged Ham Beetles?
Red legged ham beetles (scientific name: Necrobia rufipes) are a species of beetle that love to munch their way through dried or cured meats. As their name suggests, they have distinctive red legs and are usually between 3 to 7mm long. The larvae are around 10mm and are a dark brownish color.
These beetles lay lots of eggs very quickly so just a few sneaking into your pantry can turn into a full blown infestation in no time. Not only do they ruin your precious deli meats but they also spread bacteria and can even cause allergic reactions in some people. Definitely not something you want hanging around your home!
Signs of an Infestation
The first clue that you may have an issue with red legged ham beetles is if you spot the adult beetles themselves crawling over your food packages. They move pretty fast so if you see one, chances are there are plenty more around.
You may also notice white silken cocoons attached to surfaces near infested items. And upon closer inspection, small holes or cracks in packaging can indicate the presence of larvae. Discarded beetle skins and foul odors are other telltale signs that these pests have invaded.
How to Get Rid of Red Legged Ham Beetles
When it comes to extermination methods for red legged ham beetles, you have a few effective options:
Remove Infested Items
Thoroughly inspect any dried goods in your pantry and discard anything that shows signs of an infestation. Make sure to seal the infested items in a plastic bag before throwing them out to contain the beetles. Then give the entire area a deep clean by washing shelves, vacuuming, and eliminating clutter.
Use Pheromone Traps
Pheromone traps contain scents that lure red legged ham beetles in. Once inside, the beetles get stuck on glue boards and eventually die. Place traps in out of the way areas around your pantry or under appliances where you may have spotted beetles. Replace traps every 2-3 months.
Apply Insecticide Sprays
Insecticide sprays made specifically for pantry pests can help eliminate red legged ham beetles. Apply a light coating along baseboards, shelving, and anywhere else you see activity. Make sure to choose sprays that are safe for use around food.
Freeze Small Infested Items
For foods like crackers or cereal that may be salvageable, place them in air tight plastic bags and pop in the freezer for 4-7 days. This cold temperature kills all life stages of the beetles. Just make sure to check packaging closely for survivors afterwards.
Call an Exterminator
For severe infestations that you can’t contain, it may be best to hire a professional exterminator. They have access to stronger chemical treatments that can reach beetles in hard to access areas. Completely eliminating the pests usually requires 2-3 treatments.
Tips for Prevention
Preventing red legged ham beetles from ever gaining access is the best means of control. Here are some smart tips to keep your pantry pest-free:
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Inspect packages before purchase and avoid anything that looks damaged.
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Keep dried goods sealed in air tight containers. Glass, plastic, or metal containers are best.
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Clean up any spilled crumbs or food debris right away.
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Limit the amount of dried pet food stored and use within 2-3 months.
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Maintain low humidity levels in your pantry.
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Add natural repellents like cloves, bay leaves, or cedar blocks to shelving.
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Vacuum and wipe down the pantry weekly.
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Eliminate hiding places by keeping clutter to a minimum.
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Discard cardboard boxes as they can harbor beetles.
The Bottom Line
A red legged ham beetle invasion can be extremely annoying, not to mention damaging. But with vigilance and the proper control methods, you can get rid of them for good. Inspect for signs of infestation, discard badly infested items, deploy traps, apply sprays, and implement preventative measures. With a multi-pronged approach, you’ll have those little red legged pests on the run in no time!
Red Legged Ham Beetle Biology and Life Cycle
FAQ
What do red legged ham beetles eat?
Where do red legged ham beetles live?
How to scare away beetles?
What is a red-legged ham beetle?
In the popular literature, the red-legged ham beetle (RHB) is often described as a pest of dried meat. The implication seems to be that unless you are producing dried fish, hams, bacon, jerky treats, or cheese, that this insect is nothing more than an occasional invader in food processing plants.
What do red leg Ham beetles eat?
What Do Red-Legged Ham Beetle Eat? The Red-Legged Ham Beetle consumes a variety of food sources, including dried fish, eggs, coconuts, figs, the skins and bones of dead animals, cheese, bacon, palm nut kernels, guano, the eggs and larvae of certain flies, and even other Red-Legged Ham Beetles.
Where do red leg Ham beetles live?
The Red-Legged Ham Beetle thrives in warm tropical environments, commonly found in locations like garbage dumps and food processing plants. They can be found on dried fish, the skins and bones of dead animals, museum specimens, and other carrion. Blunder or pitfall traps can be used to capture adult beetles.
Do red-legged ham beetles eat pheromones?
The Red-Legged Ham Beetle thrives in temperatures above 40-42°C and requires an equilibrium relative humidity of 50% or higher. It is attracted to sun-dried foods and decaying meat. It remains uncertain whether female beetles emit pheromones to attract males.
