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Hide Beetles (Dermestes maculatus)
Hide beetles are scavengers that feed on dried animal products including hides, skins, feathers, dried meats, and pet food, and are significant pests in taxidermy, food processing, and museum collections. Their larvae are particularly destructive, boring into materials to pupate and leaving behind ragged feeding damage. In homes, they may infest pet food, wool, and stored food products. Locating all infested materials, thorough cleaning, and applying targeted residual insecticides in affected areas eliminates active infestations.