S & W Pest Management Inc : Insect Guide

Pest Guide » Occasional Pests » Grain Beetles:

Grain Beetles
Anobiid and Lyctus species
Color: Brown
Legs: Six
Shape: Narrow oval
Size: 1/10"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: No

Both sawtoothed and merchant grain beetles are common stored-food product pests that infest anything in the cupboard from cereals, cornmeal, macaroni and popcorn to rice, dried fruits, breakfast foods and chocolate. These insects contaminate more food than they consume, and usually are discovered leaving the infested food to crawl about the house.

These beetles are capable of chewing into unopened paper or cardboard boxes, through cellophane, plastic, and foil wrapped packages. Once inside, populations build up rapidly often spreading to other stored foods and into food debris accumulated in the cupboard corners, cracks, and crevices. Sometimes all life stages from egg to adult may be found. These insects have running legs much like cockroaches and penetrate "tightly sealed" packaging.

Adults and larvae are external feeders, feeding on finely divided food particles and not whole grains. They do not bite or sting humans or pets, spread disease, or feed on or damage the house or furniture. Early detection of infestations and disposal alone may solve the problem.

Prevention:

The simplest and most effective control measure is to locate the source of infestation and quickly get rid of it.
Examine all food storage areas and food products carefully. Dispose of heavily infested foods in wrapped, heavy plastic bags or in sealed containers for garbage disposal service.
Purchase seldom-used foods in small quantities to prevent long storage periods of one month or more, especially during the warm summer months.
Store susceptible foods in insect-proof containers of glass, heavy plastic, or metal, ideally with screw-type lids, or store in a refrigerator or freezer and use older packages before newer ones.
Properly ventilate the storage area to discourage these moisture-loving stored-product pests.
Careful sanitation is the best method to avoid stored-product pests.
After removing all food, food packages, utensils, dishes, etc. from the cupboard, shelves, or storage area, use a strong suction vacuum cleaner with proper attachments to clean all spilled foods from the cracks and crevices, behind, under, and in appliances and furniture.
Scrub with soap and hot water. After shelves are thoroughly dry, cover with clean, fresh paper or foil before replacing food or cooking utensils.

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