Spider Beetles: How Dangerous Are They?

When you hear “Spider Beetle” you probably think it’s just made up, but they actually really do exist. Let’s dig up some more information on these rare pests.

Spider Beetle is crawling on the wall

Spider Beetle By Katja Schulz (Flickr) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

These beetles are tiny in size and resemble a spider in terms of outer looks. They come with long legs and are round like abdomens. Diet-wise they feed on a variety of things like grains, spices, aged wood, vegetables, rodent droppings, and dead bugs. They can often be found in kitchens because of their diet.


How Harmful Are Spider Beetles?

These odd pests are not the most harmful to other animals or us. Unlike most other pests, they do not destroy objects around the house either. 

But what they will do is that they will ruin your food and cause it to go bad. This will eventually result in your getting a bad case of loose motion or food poisoning from consuming it.


Spider Beetle Bites

Spider Beetle bites are a thing, but they will not spread diseases. Their bites are more a method of defense against predators. If the person has allergy problems, naturally he or she might be affected by spider beetle bites, but someone without allergies will not. 

If you have been bitten by a spider beetle or any other kind of beetle, it is still very important to contact your doctor and get it checked just in case.



For the most part, spider beetle bites are neither common nor very harmful, but they can happen.

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Prevention of Spider Beetles


  • Remove Food Sources

Prevention is the hardest part when it comes to pests, but with the right efforts, it is not impossible. The first thing is to remove food sources that they feed on. 

This will starve them, causing them to leave or die. You can opt for placing your food in sealed plastic containers. Putting them in the refrigerator is another great option.

  • Vacuuming

Another great option is vacuuming. This will help you in sucking out all the tiny food particles and crumbs that you would otherwise miss. It will help you to get every last beetle as well their eggs, nests, and larvae. 

It is essential to clear out their eggs with them, otherwise, there is no point in exterminating. If the eggs are not removed they will simply grow and infest all over again.  Vacuum your pantry often to prevent these beetles from building their nests.


Spider Beetle on white background

Spider Beetle By Judy Gallagher [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

  • Dehumidify Your Home

Almost all bugs love humid spaces, and spider beetles are no different. The kitchen is usually a bit more humid than other areas in the home. This is due to the sink, and because it is vented less. This humidity build up helps beetles to thrive. Start by dehumidifying your space. This can be done with fans or dehumidifiers and will get rid of the dampness.

One of the biggest problems is that you do not know if a spider beetle is causing your infestation or not. If you are unsure, call your local pest control experts, and get their help. They will surely be able to help you and tell you more about what kind of pest infestation you are dealing with.

One of the most common problems is that you may end up applying solutions for a pest you are not even infested with but professional pest control can help you with that. They will also apply prevention techniques, so you do not have to face these pests again.

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