Drugstore Beetle

Category:

Actual Size: 2.25 mm to 3.5 mm

Characteristics: Cylindrical-shaped bodies with humped backs. Brown or reddish brown.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes, and are able to fly.

Habitat: Females lay their eggs in all sorts of dry organic materials, from books and aluminum foil to food seasonings and grains.

Habits:

  • Also commonly known as the biscuit beetle or bread beetle. 
  • Females lay over 100 eggs at a time directly onto dried food products. 
  • Larvae are the most destructive as they eat and excrete into the food they live in.

Drugstore Beetles in Anaheim

Also called the bread or biscuit beetle, drugstore beetles are a common problem here in Anaheim. These pests get their name from their habit of infesting herbs and plants that used to be used for making drugstore products, including poisonous substances such as strychnine or belladonna. The larvae in particular are known for chewing through herbs, plants, and food, which makes otherwise shelf-stable products unusable.

Drugstore Beetle Habitat

Drugstore beetles prefer warmer climates, but they’re found in all sorts of environments across the globe. They frequently infest air conditioned stores and warehouses while searching for food. Female drugstore beetles will lay their eggs on top of nearly any dry substance that can serve as food for her offspring. This can include books, wood, seasonings, cereals, and more. Adult drugstore beetles are also capable of boring through wood, which can make infestations more challenging to control. 

Drugstore Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Like many other types of pantry pest, drugstore beetles do not bite or spread disease. However, they can still cause big problems for home and business owners by eating through and excreting inside of food products. Females can lay over 100 eggs at a time, which can ruin entire batches of food very quickly. 

Worried you might have drugstore beetles? Start by removing any contaminated items, and then contact your local pantry pest control company for help keeping your property pest-free*.