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Environmental Health
Lewes District Council
Southover House
Southover Road
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 1AB
Tel: 01273 484354
ehealth@lewes.gov.uk
Minicom 01273 484488
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Beetles & Cockroaches
Advice, guidance and information to identify and treat cockroaches and beetles on properties.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches can be found in commercial premises associated with the production or handling of food. The female carries the egg-case around before depositing it in a warm sheltered situation usually near a food supply.
Infestations may be introduced by egg cases being carried on raw materials, crates and packaging. The length of the life-cycle depends on the suitability and abundance of food as well as temperature and humidity.
Carpet Beetles
They vary in colour from brown or black mottle with yellow or white scales on the dorsal surface. Adult carpet beetles live outdoors on pollen and nectar and can also be found on walls and windows.
Females produce cream coloured eggs that hatch in 2-4 weeks into larvae which are 4-5 mm golden brown and hairy.
Larvae are white with bristles and called Woolly Bears. They are particularly evident in autumn when they wander in search of food and hibernation sites.
Carpet beetles thrive in place where they are undisturbed like under carpets, around skirting boards and in wardrobes.
Larval forms can cause damage to products such as wool, fur, leather and silk. They leave clean, irregular holes and in textiles these generally occur around the seams.
Treatment
The treatment involves the property being sprayed or dusted with a broad-spectrum residual insecticide.
Larder beetles
Adult larder beetles are 7-9mm long, with an oval-shaped covered with round scale-like hairs. The beetle has a distinguishing mark of a broad light band with three black spots on each side.
The beetles are common where animal products are handled. Infestations in domestic premises often occur in larders or in attics or under-floor spaces where they may be feeding on dead rodents or birds.
The eggs are white and about 2mm in length often laid in crevices. The larvae hatch out in about a week and are dark brown and hairy, feeding on dry or decomposing animal matter. Damage is caused by the larvae which bore holes into materials.
Treatment
Spray treatment is available where infestations are extensive.
