

Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
BISCUIT BEETLE LIFE CYCLE FULL
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Drugstore beetle ( Stegobium paniceum) Adult Side View Drugstore beetle ( Stegobium paniceum) Adult Front View Drugstore beetle ( Stegobium paniceum) Larva The drugstore beetle requires about two months to complete its life cycle.īe sure to read and follow all the instructions and safety precautions found on the pesticide label before using any pesticide. Spraying along the baseboards with a residual insecticide registered for indoor use (like Ortho Home Pest Defense or Bayer Advanced Home) may help to reduce their numbers.

If this is the case, none of the above control measures will work. Drugstore beetles may also enter the home in the fall seeking a nice protected spot to spend the winter. These beetles can persist in wall cavities and other hidden areas if there is sufficient organic material present to sustain the beetles. If no infestation can be found in the kitchen area, check woolens, leather products, stuffed animals, carpet edges and even heating ducts. If any of the beetles are found in food products then the next step is to thoroughly scrub cupboards and kitchen area with strong detergent. Begin with packages that have been in the cupboard the longest and check all opened packages of flour products, dried fruits, nuts, spices and even dog food and birdseed. If this beetle is infesting your pantry, the best method of control is to locate the source of the infestation and discard all infested food items. Drugstore beetles have very strong jaws which allows them to chew through wooden objects, books, tin or aluminum foil, and even lead. It is best known as a pantry pest and it is reported to feed on any household food or spice, as well as wool, hair, leather, horn and, as the common name indicates, it is known to infest dry pharmaceutical drugs. Several generations can occur per year depending on storage conditions.The Drugstore beetle is found throughout the world but it is more often encountered in temperate regions. The life cycle on average is 7 months but can be as short as 2 months. Larvae will tunnel through the food substance for about 4-5 months. The female beetle will lay eggs in almost any dry organic substance. What is the life cycle of Drugstore Beetles? Drugstore beetles can eat a very wide range of materials such as flour, meal, dog food, and many types of processed food, but can also attack horn, wool, hair, pharmaceuticals and even book bindings. What do Drugstore Beetles eat?ĭrugstore beetles, Stegobium paniceum are also called biscuit beetles in many parts of the world. Treatment options for drugstore beetles includes freezing for 1 week or having a certified pest management specialist perform an anoxic treatment on the infested materials.

Once an infestation is found, the infested materials should be sealed up and discarded or treated to kill the drugstore beetles. The adult beetles are also highly attracted to insect light traps and can be monitored using these devices.Ī visual inspection of dried food or spices in the vicinity of the pheromone traps or light traps containing the most beetles can reveal specific items containing larvae, pupae and adult beetles. The use of pheromone traps for drugstore beetles can indicate their presence as well as where the beetles are coming from.
