Skip to content
Back to the pest guide

Pest guide

Peruvian hide beetle

Dermestes peruvianus

Do you need a pest-control professional?

It depends

Whether professional treatment is needed depends on the extent and circumstances. Possible response: Find the source, clean and treat as needed.

Potential harm

Damages protein-rich products. Larvae bore into wood and insulation

What to expect

Possible response: Find the source, clean and treat as needed. If you are unsure of the species, call and describe what you found before deciding what to do.

Not sure? Call and describe it. Identification by phone is free.

Illustration: Peruvian hide beetle (Dermestes peruvianus), whole animal on a light background.
Dermestes peruvianus (Peruvian hide beetle)Based on a photo by: Erling Ólafsson, Náttúrufræðistofnun Íslands

About this species

This entry covers Peruvian hide beetle (Dermestes peruvianus). Typical location: Dry protein in hidden recesses. Potential harm: Damages protein-rich products. Larvae bore into wood and insulation. Possible response: Find the source, clean and treat as needed.

Facts

Latin name
Dermestes peruvianus
English name
Peruvian hide beetle
Preferred conditions
Dry protein in hidden recesses
Life cycle
Varies with conditions and life stage

Response and treatment

Find the source, clean and treat as needed

Treatment depends on the species, extent and circumstances. Products are not always needed. Any products used are permitted for the intended use in Iceland. Follow their instructions and the pest-control professional’s guidance.

Do you have an unwelcome visitor?

Call and describe it. Advice is free, and one phone call often solves the problem.