Closeup of a beetle crawling on a grain of rice - Keep beetles out of your home with Kona Coast Pest Control in Kailua Kona

Drugstore Beetle

Actual Size: 2.25 mm to 3.5 mm

Characteristics: Brown to reddish-brown; cylindrical with humpbacks.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes, and are able to fly.

Habitat: Females lay eggs in any dry organic substance. Seasonings, grains, books, and aluminum foil are popular items infested by these beetles.

Habits:

  • Also known as the bread beetle or biscuit beetle.
  • Females can lay more than 100 eggs at a time on dry food products.
  • The larval stage does the most damage as they live, eat, and excrete waste within the products they’ve infested.


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Drugstore Beetles in Kailua Kona

The drugstore/bread/biscuit beetle is an insect that commonly infests stored seeds, foods, and materials. Its name originated from its habit of eating herbs and plants which were previously used for the development of drugs. Drugstore beetle larvae are known for causing substantial damage through their chewing of plants, herbs, and food. They leave behind holes, which damage the products and ruin the contents inside.

Drugstore Beetle Habitat

The drugstore beetle can be found worldwide but prefers warmer climates or climate-controlled spaces. Eggs can be laid by females in nearly any dry organic substance and common items infested by the beetles include wooden objects, books, pet food, grains, seasonings, and even aluminum foil. The adult beetles can fly, bore through wood, and are identified through their rapid movement.

Drugstore Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Drugstore beetles are not known to spread disease or to bite people. They are considered a nuisance pest as they frustrate businesses and homeowners with their destruction of items. Most of the damage takes place during the larval stage since they eat, live, and leave waste within the infested products. One female can damage entire batches of food as she can lay more than 100 eggs at a time. This destruction leads to monetary damage for both homeowners and businesses. If you are having an issue with drugstore beetles, it is best to consult a professional pantry pest control company for removal.