General
General
The darkling beetle, or lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus is one of the most abundant insects found on the floor of poultry houses. It has long been known as a common pest worldwide, and while its origins are unclear, it was likely carried out of Sub-Saharan Africa and dispersed via global trade routes. The beetles feed on spilled feed and chicken waste and are eaten by the chickens in turn, posing a risk for disease transmission, especially Salmonella. These insects reproduce quickly and are difficult to control. They hide in wall cracks and other tight spaces, evading routine cleaning and disinfection procedures.