Latin: Clavicornia
Mold beetles are a term for different types of beetles belonging to the families Mycetaea, Enicmus, Cartodere, Lathridius and Cryptophagus. None of these families have danish names.
Since the biology of the beetles is almost the same and all the beetles can be observed in the same places.
Appearance
The mold beetles are about two to three mm long, and the different species are remarkably similar, but if you look closely, you will find that there are differences. All mold beetle species belongs to the Clavicornia family. Their common feature is their feelers, where the end of the feeler resembles a small club.
Biology and behavior
Mold beetle larvae typically occur from May to June. Later in the year, many the adult beetles occur. Both as larvae and adults they mainly feed on mold. Which is the reason for the name, mold beetle.
The mold beetle lives in places with high humidity, places like under bark and foliage, thatched roofs, wood fungi and moist grain, straw, and hay is very attractive to them and those places are typically areas where you will find the mold beetle. However, the mold beetle can also thrive in storage rooms, shacks, basements, and other places where the humidity is high.
If the beetles appear in a kitchen, this is usually due to moldy food leftovers such as grains and flour in cracks. The species can occur in living areas, where humidity is high, like behind cabinets, which are placed up against cold exterior walls creating a good environment to mold and mold beetles. It is also not uncommon for the mold beetles to appear in newer houses. Here the beetles will appear before the walls have dried complete. However, in these cases the problem will most often stop on its own.
Damage
Although mold beetles may look disgusting and seem harmful, they are practically harmless. They can however in rare cases, damage dried vegetable food stuff such as dried fruits, but over all they do not cause any great damage.
Even though the beetles do not cause any great damaged, it is not enjoyable having them around. If there are countless mold beetles in moist straw, hay, or grain, which is placed on the attic on top of ones living room, thousands of larvae can sprinkle down. This is of course not suitable, and, in those cases, it is necessary to control the beetles as well as prevent their occurrence.
Prevention and control
To prevent the appearance of mold beetles, food stuff, hay, straw, and grain must be stored sufficiently dry. In residences, it is important to have adequate ventilation preventing mold growth. This is especially important behind cabinets placed up against and exterior wall.
If you experience an infestation of mold beetles, they are initiative controlled by drying out the surroundings. In this way, mold disappears, and it is the mold that the beetles nourish on. Ensure the best possible ventilation. It is also a good idea to consider whether leaks have occurred in the area.
Straw, hay, and grain that is infested with mold beetles must be dried, as soon as possible, and in some cases, it must be removed. When the ceiling is emptied, it should be clean thoroughly and treated with an insect powder. Remember that mold beetle thrives in hollow walls, which is why it is necessary to clean, and powder those areas as well. If this is not possible, just vacuum the mold beetles with a vacuum cleaner as they eventually appear in the home. If the mold beetles appear in the kitchen or other areas in the house, you should vacuum rather than wash the areas. When washing, you will simply add moisture again, which benefits the growth of mold beetles. It may be necessary to wash off with fungicides and mold killers in areas where there is clear growth of mold.
"Pests in House and Home"
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