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  • Drugstore Beetle Beetles

    Drugstore Beetle
  • Drugstore Beetle
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Elimination

The first step is to identify and discard all infested containers. Anything that has not been attacked by these pests should be stored in airtight containers.

Next, vacuum all cracks and crevices in the pantry to remove any crumbs and insects. Always discard the vacuum bag, seeing as the insects can continue to reproduce inside.

Finally, if the situation persists, the intervention of our certified technicians remains a safe and effective solution. An intervention implies that the treated surfaces should not be washed for about a month to allow the product to work effectively

Before doing so, remove everything from the pantry. Also refrain from washing the cupboard shelves for about a month. It is strongly recommended that you line the shelves with paper before putting the food back, to avoid contact between the containers and the pesticide.

Actions

  • Put all food in sealed containers
  • Vacuum pantries and under appliances (empty receptacle/dispose of bag)
  • Request assistance from one of our pest management experts

Prevention

  • Store food in sealed containers

Description and development

The Drugstore Beetle (Stegobium paniceum L. ) is a holometabolous insect of the order of Coleoptera from the Anobiidae family. It resembles the Cigarette Beetle but has different-looking antennae. The Cigarette Beetle’s antennae are like saws, while the Drugstore Beetle’s are club shaped and the last three segments are bigger. The adult is a small, light brown colored insect 2.5 to 3 mm in length whereas the larva is mostly white and less than 3 mm in length.
The female can lay 40 to 60 eggs over her life span. The larvae molt four times or so before turning into pupae, then adults. The complete life cycle lasts about 70 days in favorable conditions, but can extend up to seven months.

Habits

The insect hides its antennae and legs under its body when at rest. “Playing dead” like this makes it harder to spot. The larvae are the ones that cause damage, because the adults do not eat during their short existence. The larvae feed off a great variety of foods (stored foods, dried vegetable matter, etc.), but take a particular liking to spices. The larvae can also seriously damage books, and are capable of perforating sheet lead or thin sheets of aluminum. They are also sometimes found in dried flowers.

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