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Skin beetles are known all over the world for infesting homes, kitchens, slaughterhouses, and businesses.

There are more than 500 species of skin beetles in the Dermestidae family. These bugs are referred to as larder, hide, leather and most commonly known as 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.

Skin beetles are also found living in dead animals’ carcasses as well as nests formerly inhabited by birds, bees, and wasps.

Problems for Humans and Animals

Although carpet beetles do not bite animals and living humans, 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 animals and humans. Not only do carpet beetles live in carcasses, but they can also bring a number of problems in the kitchen and slaughterhouses and kitchens where meat is processed.

While modern hygienic approaches are supposed to prevent the presence of these beetles on farms, you may still find that infestations happen 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.

In many cases, skin beetles will get into your home after taking up residence in wasp, bird, and bee nests. Once you find these items located around your home, it may be best to discard them immediately.

While you may not want to bees’ and birds’ nests, you can still try to move them to a place where they will not cause your home to become infested with skin beetles.

Many people that have a penchant for eating rare meat may not fully realize that they are this kind of meat sometimes have eggs from skin beetles. While these eggs may not pose harm to human health, the meat itself may show symptoms of beetle infestation if left exposed.

Depending on the species of beetle, a single female can lay anywhere from 100 to 800 eggs during her lifetime.

Throwing uncooked fat and gristle from uncooked meat into the trash guarantees an infestation of skin beetles and it doesn’t take long for that to happen.

Aside from cooking all meat, eggs, and dairy products thoroughly, you may want to consider a vegan diet in order to avoid exposure to these noxious parasites as much as possible.