Drugstore Beetle

Identification

Drugstore beetles are a hard-shelled, reddish brown beetle between 1/16 to 3/16 inch in length. The larva of the drugstore beetles are white and grub-like formed in a crescent shape.

Environment

Common pests of pantries, pet foods, spices, and almost any dried plant material Infestations usually located in a kitchen pantry in an item that has long since passed its expiration date

Threats

Drugstore beetles beetles will usually go unnoticed in the kitchen for some time. Given the sheer quantity of eggs laid per cycle, infestations can occur at an alarming rate. They are not harmful and they do not bite.

Treatment

Control is essentially a sanitation issue. Infested products must be identified and removed from the home. Chemical controls may be applied after the homeowner has removed all infested products.