Sawtoothed Grain Beetle

Category:

Actual Size: ⅛”

Characteristics: Brown; slender and flat.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes, but do not fly.

Habitat: Infests household pantries, grocery stores, and food processing facilities where there are plenty of dried goods for them to feed on.

Habits:

  • Named for the six tiny saw-like “teeth” on each side of the thorax. 
  • Cannot consume unbroken grain and prefers dust or crumbs. 
  • Infestations usually start when someone accidentally purchases infested goods.

Sawtoothed Grain Beetles in Anaheim

The sawtoothed grain beetle is a common pest found in homes, grocery stores, and grain storage facilities all over the United States. These beetles look similar to the merchant grain beetle, but the merchant grain beetle can fly, while the sawtoothed one can’t. As adults, these pests sneak into stored goods like grains, sugar, and other dry plant-based materials by slipping through tiny cracks in containers that aren’t sealed properly. Since they can’t attack healthy grain kernels, they’re usually found near crumbs or food that has been infested by other pests. Not only do they make food unclean, but they can also cause mold problems.

Sawtoothed Grain Beetle Habitat

Sawtoothed grain beetles are found nearly wherever dried food is stored, from grocery shops to households. This pantry pest feeds on all sorts of items like bread, pasta, dried meats, and candy. A single female can lay up to 250 eggs within cracks of kernels of grain. As with other pantry insects, it is the larvae that do most of the damage; however, you’re more likely to notice an adult sawtoothed grain beetle crawling around your pantry. 

Sawtoothed Grain Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Sawtoothed grain beetles don’t spread diseases to humans, and they won’t bite or sting you. They’re more of a nuisance because they contaminate and damage stored food in your home. These adult beetles can easily get into sealed cardboard boxes and soft plastic packaging. They typically end up in your home when you buy products from grocery stores that already have these beetles in them, either as larvae or adults. The main problem usually starts at the factory where the product was made.

If you’re dealing with sawtoothed grain beetles in your Anaheim property, it’s a good idea to reach out to your local exterminators for assistance.