How To Get Rid Of Red Legged Ham Beetles? Experts Explain

Are you tired of finding Red Legged Ham Beetles in your pantry or pet store?

These pesky insects can infest dried meat goods and cause major damage. But fear not, there are ways to get rid of them!

From pheromone traps to manual removal methods, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn how to effectively eliminate Red Legged Ham Beetles from your space.

How To Get Rid Of Red Legged Ham Beetles?

One effective method for getting rid of Red Legged Ham Beetles is through the use of pheromone traps. These traps can be placed year-round, but are especially effective when temperatures exceed 55°F. Floor pheromone traps like the All Beetle Trap and Flat Trap are particularly effective at capturing these beetles.

In areas such as a pantry or home, it is recommended to place one or two traps per room. In commercial areas like warehouses or retail stores, pheromone traps should be placed 25-50 feet apart to determine the presence or absence of Red Legged Ham Beetles. If an infestation is suspected, trap density should be increased to 15-25 feet apart to help locate the source of the beetles.

Another effective method for getting rid of Red Legged Ham Beetles is through manual removal. This method involves removing everything from the infested area, cleaning out every cabinet, and leaving nothing open and available for the beetles to infest. It can take up to 45 days for the life cycle of the beetles to be completed and for them to be completely eliminated.

If manual removal is not feasible, another option is to use a quart jar filled with water and a squirt of dish soap. Hold the jar under the branches of plants where beetles are resting and tap the branches. The beetles will fall into the jar and the dish soap will smother them.

What Are Red Legged Ham Beetles?

Red Legged Ham Beetles, also known as the ham beetle or copra beetle, are a type of pest that primarily infests stored meat products. These beetles belong to the family Cleridae and are usually predators of other pests, but they can also feed on various high protein items and cause damage by burrowing into them.

Adult Red Legged Ham Beetles are usually between 3.5-7 mm (0.25 inch) long and have a metallic greenish-blue color with red legs. Their eggs are oval and white in color and can be detected under microscopic examination of infested items. The larvae are approximately 10 mm (0.4 inches) long with a dark brownish body and reddish-brown head. The adults and larvae move relatively quickly, while pupae are contained within a silken cocoon and are usually 3.5-7 mm (0.25 inches) long, depending on where the cocoon is located.

Red Legged Ham Beetles are known to attack not only dried or smoked meats, but also bones, hides, copra, dried egg, cheese, guano, bone meal, dried figs, and palm nut kernels. Although refrigeration has reduced their impact on meats, they remain a significant destructive pest of dried and salt fish including herring. These beetles can also be found in processes such as taxidermy, where they may be a nuisance as they feed within antlers or other residual meat materials.

Red Legged Ham Beetles have distinctly red legs and shiny blue wings. They are small in size, ranging from 3.5 to 7 mm long, and they are very active either running or flying. The antennae consist of around 8 small segments at the base and 4 much larger segments forming a compact club at the end. The larva may be somewhat similar to a carpet beetle, with dark coloration and a slightly hairy body, but its head is much more visible in front and it has 2 short “horns” on its tail end.

Proper storage of meat products has greatly reduced the pest potential of these beetles on food. However, if an infestation is suspected, it is recommended to use pheromone traps or manual removal methods to eliminate them completely.

Signs Of Red Legged Ham Beetle Infestation

Red Legged Ham Beetles are known to infest meat-based products that are similar in moisture to beef jerky. These products include pet food, pet treats, and meat intended for human consumption. Signs of infestation can be identified by the presence of white silken cocoons on infested food items, cracks/crevices, and fibrous or furry textiles such as meaty dog treats, tennis balls, and wooden furniture.

The larvae of Red Legged Ham Beetles feed on the larvae of other insects, including their own kind. They can also be found in animal products used in taxidermy, where they may be a nuisance as they feed within antlers or other residual meat materials. Adult females can lay up to 2000 eggs, and the period from egg to adult may be only one month. Since adults feed, they are long-lived, surviving up to 14 months, with several generations per year.

If you notice any of these signs of infestation in your home or business, it is important to take action immediately. Failure to do so can lead to a larger infestation and costly damage to your property.

Prevention Methods To Avoid Infestation

Preventing Red Legged Ham Beetle infestations is key to avoiding the need for removal methods. One effective prevention method is to keep the area clean and free of food debris. This means regularly cleaning out pantries, cabinets, and other areas where dried meat goods are stored. It is also important to keep the area dry and well-ventilated, as moisture can attract these pests.

Another prevention method is to use natural pest repellents like mint oil. Mixing 10-15 drops of pure peppermint oil into 8 ounces of water and spraying it around doorways, vents, and windows can help keep these beetles out of your living space. However, it is important to note that this method requires regular re-application.

Reducing areas of moisture in and around the home is also an effective prevention method. This can be done by mowing the lawn, weeding plant beds, and moving woodpiles away from the structure. Providing adequate ventilation in crawl spaces and basements can also help prevent infestations.

Sealing possible points of entry for Red Legged Ham Beetles around the house, including window and door frames and holes in masonry, is another effective prevention method. Changing outdoor lighting to less-attractive yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lamps can also help deter these pests.

By implementing these prevention methods, you can reduce the likelihood of a Red Legged Ham Beetle infestation and avoid the need for removal methods in the future.

Pheromone Traps For Red Legged Ham Beetles

Pheromone traps are a popular and effective method for getting rid of Red Legged Ham Beetles. These traps use a pheromone mixed into a food attractant to draw in the beetles over a period of three months. Red-Legged Ham Beetle Kits feature Insect Limited’s signature pheromone lures that have been field-tested and are the best trapping system for these beetles. The lures are paired with the Trapper Museum Monitor traps, which can easily be placed on floors, under display shelving, or beneath equipment throughout areas where Red-Legged Ham Beetles are found.

In commercial areas, such as warehouses or retail stores, it is recommended to place pheromone traps 25-50 feet apart to determine the presence or absence of Red Legged Ham Beetles. If an infestation is suspected, trap density should be increased to 15-25 feet apart to help locate the source of the beetles. In areas such as a pantry or home, it is recommended to place one or two traps per room.

It is important to note that pheromone traps should be replaced when the glue is filled with insects or becomes dusty. Pheromone lures should also be replaced every 90 days, and all pheromone lures in a location should be replaced at the same time. It is also important to record the date and number of catches to identify trending information.

Manual Removal Methods For Red Legged Ham Beetles

Manual removal methods can be effective for getting rid of Red Legged Ham Beetles. One way to manually remove these beetles is to inspect all dried meat goods such as food, animal feed, or pet food, and remove any infested items. It is important to dispose of these items in a sealed bag to prevent the beetles from spreading.

Another manual removal method is to vacuum the infested area thoroughly. This will help to remove any adult beetles, larvae, or eggs that may be present. After vacuuming, dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed bag to prevent the beetles from spreading.

It is also important to clean and sanitize the infested area thoroughly. This includes wiping down all surfaces with a solution of hot water and soap or a disinfectant cleaner. Pay special attention to cracks and crevices where beetles may be hiding.

Finally, it is important to monitor the infested area regularly for any signs of new beetle activity. This can be done by setting up pheromone traps or by visually inspecting the area for any adult beetles or larvae.

By combining manual removal methods with other pest control methods like pheromone traps, it is possible to effectively get rid of Red Legged Ham Beetles and prevent future infestations.

Chemical Treatments For Red Legged Ham Beetles

Chemical treatments can also be used to control Red Legged Ham Beetles. One commonly used method is fumigation with methyl bromide (MB). However, due to the ban on MB in the USA, research has been conducted to find alternative chemical treatments.

Studies have shown that reduced oxygen (O2) and increased carbon dioxide (CO2) can be effective in controlling Red Legged Ham Beetles. The use of generated ozone (O3) has also been evaluated as an alternative to MB. These treatments have been found to be effective under laboratory conditions and may provide a viable alternative to MB fumigation.

It is important to note that chemical treatments should only be used by professionals who are trained in their proper use and application. Improper use of chemicals can be harmful to humans and the environment, and can also lead to resistance in pest populations. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a pest management professional before using any chemical treatments for Red Legged Ham Beetles.