Myth vs. Reality: Do Spider Beetles Actually Bite?

Spider beetles are a type of beetle that may resemble spiders, owing to their superficial similarities in appearance. These beetles, found across the United States, are known to infest stored products and can be a common household nuisance, though not as well-known as other pests^[1^].

Although spider beetles resemble spiders and might give some people the creeps, their potential for harm is a topic of interest. Understanding these pests and whether they can bite you can help put your mind at ease and assist in dealing with infestations if necessary.

Spider Beetles Overview

Appearance

Spider beetles are small insects, generally measuring between two to five mm in length. They have an oval or cylindrical shape, long legs, and are usually brown in color. Their appearance has a superficial resemblance to spiders, which is the origin of their common name¹.

Species

There are several species of spider beetles found in the U.S. that infest stored products¹. They belong to the family Ptinidae and are not considered true spiders or arachnids, but insects.

Habitat

These beetles are common and widespread but not as abundant nor well known as other household pests¹. They are found in various habitats, including homes, where they can infest stored food products and cause damage.

Diet

Spider beetles primarily feed on a variety of stored foods and organic materials such as grains, fruits, and even dead insects. Their diet is primarily plant-based, and they do not bite humans or other animals.

Biting Potential

Comparing to Other Insects

While spider beetles resemble spiders in appearance, they differ significantly in their biting habits. For example, unlike spiders, which can bite and inject venom into their victims, spider beetles lack the necessary mouthparts or venomous glands to do so. On the other hand, insects such as mosquitoes rely on their elongated proboscis to pierce the skin and extract blood.

Spider Beetles vs Other Insects

• Spider beetles: Do not bite
• Spiders: Possess venomous bites
• Mosquitoes: Use proboscis for blood extraction

Spider Beetles and Humans

Fortunately for humans, spider beetles pose minimal threat. Rather than biting, these creatures employ their long legs to navigate the environment and seek food sources, often in crevices or dark spaces where they can go undetected. This is in contrast to insects like bedbugs, which typically bite at night, leaving itchy and painful bumps on the skin.

To avoid scratching bug bites or spider bites, applying ice to the area can soothe itchiness and prevent further irritation. The key takeaway is that spider beetle bites are virtually nonexistent, making them far less dangerous to humans than other insects.

Spider Beetle Characteristics

• Appearance: Resemble spiders
• Legs: Long, used for navigation
• Biting potential: Virtually nonexistent

Infestations and Prevention

Signs of Infestation

Spider beetles (Mezium americanum) are common pests infesting food products, especially cereals, grains, seeds, and beans, as well as dead insects and rodent droppings. In homes, they are typically found in pantries. Some indications of infestation include:

• Small, brown, long-legged beetles in food products or around pantries
• Packaging with holes or tears, caused by beetle feeding
• Silk webbings and frass (insect droppings) around infested areas

Preventive Measures

Preventing spider beetle infestations involves a few simple steps:

• Store food products in well-sealed containers made of glass or thick plastic
• Regularly inspect pantries for signs of infestation
• Maintain low moisture and humidity levels in storage areas
• Keep homes clean and free from rodents and other potential food sources
• Seal cracks and crevices where beetles may enter or hide

When comparing to other pests, spider beetles are more attracted to moisture and less to the warmth of a habitat. So, controlling moisture can be quite effective.

Pest Control

If an infestation occurs, there are several methods to control spider beetles:

• Vacuum clean infested areas to remove beetles, their food sources, and habitat
• Discard contaminated food products
• Use pest control treatments, such as insecticides, pheromone traps, or heat treatments (in severe cases)
• Consult pest control professionals, if necessary

Here’s a comparison table to show the pros and cons of some control methods:

Remember, the most effective strategy is prevention and early detection. Maintaining clean pantries, good storage practices, and low moisture levels can help avoid spider beetle infestations.

Impact on Homes and Food Storage

Potential Damage to Food

Spider beetles are not as well-known as other household pests, but they can still cause damage to stored food products¹. Their attraction to a variety of food sources makes them a potential threat to different items in your pantry. For example, they are known to infest:

• Dried fruits
• Spices
• Wheat
• Books (made of old wood)
• Cacao
• Figs
• Almonds
• Rye bread
• Ginger
• Paprika

They prefer moist areas and can easily hitch a ride into your home by infesting food packages or hiding in walls². Spider beetles can even infest pet food if it’s left unsealed.

How to Protect Your Pantry

To avoid potential damage caused by spider beetles, there are several steps you can follow to protect your pantry and food storage. Some of these methods are:

• Store food in airtight containers or sealed plastic bags³.
• Keep your pantry clean and dry, as moisture encourages pantry pests⁴.
• Regularly check food sources for signs of infestation.
• Dispose of any infested food products immediately.

Making an effort to keep your pantry clean and free of plausible hiding spots for spider beetles will significantly reduce their chance of infesting your food sources and pantry.

Interesting Spider Beetle Facts

Spider beetles are small insects that resemble spiders, hence their name. These beetles infest stored products and are found in a variety of environments, such as mills and warehouses. Common types include the American spider beetle, the smooth spider beetle, and the whitemarked spider beetle.

These beetles are nocturnal creatures, coming out at night to feed. They have long legs and, in some cases, wings which help them crawl and fly in search of food. Spider beetles go through various stages, starting from eggs, then to larvae, and ultimately to adult beetles, which can be male or female.

Although spider beetles can be a nuisance, especially in food-storage areas, they are generally not harmful to humans. They do not transmit diseases.

To control spider beetle infestations, cleaning and vacuuming areas where they are found is usually effective. Maintaining clean and closed food storage areas is essential in preventing infestations. In extreme cases, professional pest control services may be required.

Characteristics of common spider beetle types:

• American spider beetle
  • Brown to reddish-brown in color
  • Hairy body and long, flexible antennae
  • 2-4 mm in size
• Smooth spider beetle
  • Shiny, reddish-brown appearance
  • Wings present
  • Oval-shaped body
  • 2-5 mm in size
• Whitemarked spider beetle
  • White scales on dark brown body
  • No wings
  • Cylindrical body
  • 3-4 mm in size

In conclusion, spider beetles may look like ticks or spiders, but these insects are neither harmful nor disease-carrying. However, they can be a nuisance, requiring vigilance and proper sanitation measures to keep them away from food-storage areas.