Size: |
Drugstore beetle adult is 1/16-1/8 in (2-3.5 mm) long.
Mature larva is about the same length. |
Characteristics: |
Antennae has club of 3 elongated and broadened segments; pits on
wing covers are in long rows; head and thorax are bent downward, so
that the head is not very visible from above, giving a strongly humped
appearance. Mature larva is C-shaped, with many short hairs and well-developed
legs with 4 segments. |
Color: |
Adult drugstore beetle is reddish brown to brown. Mature larva is
white |
Geographic Range: |
Drugstore beetles are found all around the world. |
Comparison with other species: |
The cigarette beetle is similar to the drugstore beetle, but has
saw-like antennae, and the pits on the wing covers are scattered,
not in rows. |
Habitat: |
The female drugstore beetle lays her eggs in and near stored goods
and foodstuffs. |
Food: |
Household food, such as bread, flour, and breakfast foods; spices,
such as red pepper; drugs; hair; museum specimens; leather; books
and manuscripts. |
Biology: |
The female drugstore beetle lays oval, whitish eggs in food materials.
The eggs hatch in a few days, then go through 4-6 stages during the
next 4-5 months. The full-grown larva pupates for about 12-18 days
in a silk cocoon with some particles of food woven into it. The complete
life cycle usually takes about 7 months. There are 1-4 generations
per year, depending upon temperature. |
Invasion: |
Drugstore beetles may enter structures in infested foodstuffs or
other items that have been stored. Adults can fly and are attracted
to light. |
Damage: |
Drugstore beetles are destructive to stored goods. They may have
gotten this common name from being a pest of stored herbs in apothecaries,
or early "drugstores". |
Prevention: |
- Inspect incoming items.
- Supply ventilation.
- Keep buildings in good physical condition to reduce entry.
- Quickly remove spilled grain.
- Maintain cleanliness in facility and grounds.
- Store pallets 18 inches away from walls.
- Replace torn packages.
- Rotate food and nonfood stock; move out oldest stock first.
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