General
The adult 2.5mm – 4mm long. The middle of the body is constricted to give a waisted, spider like appearance. The legs and antennae are long. The adult cannot fly. Cryptic in their behaviour, these insects ‘play dead’ if disturbed. They are particularly active in darkness.

Significance
One of the most important warehouse pests, it occurs as both a general scavenger and a stored product pest. A very wide range of materials may be attacked. Virtually any dry vegetable or animal matter is suitable. Packaging materials, textiles and even wood may be damaged by larvae seeking pupation sites. Birds’ nests are common source of infestation.

Control
Infested commodities should be isolated and destroyed, or failing this fumigated. The structure and fittings of the infested area should be treated with a residual insecticide. This treatment may be supplemented with the use of an ultra-low volume insecticide application. Search for bird nesting material and destroy.

Number of days spent as: