Dermestid beetle

Habitat:

Found in almost an dry material of animal origin, such as leather, fur, feathers or meat. Not primarily a wood feeder, but fully grown larvae frequently bore short 'refuge' tunnels into wood near their food source. Heavy infestations in food storage rooms and chicken houses may cause serious damage. Small infestations may be found next to birds nests in domestic roofs.

Damage characteristics:

Circular entry holes, 3-4 mm diameter, leading to short, blind-ending tunnels, usually free from bore dust, sometimes up to 10 mm long. Cast larval skins are often found in tunnels.

Insect characteristics and location:

Adults 4-7 mm long, black or brown, with or without white hairs, depending on species. Similar in shape to death watch beetle but with slightly different antennae and thorax. Found adjacent to their food source, but may disperse for some distance.

Larva Up to 15 mm long, light brown in colour, with three pairs of legs. Very obvious transverse bands of dark hairs along body, two spines on rear end. Found on food sources but may disperse some distance before boring refuge tunnels in timber or other soft material.