Drugstore Beetle

Drugstore Beetles in The Mississippi Gulf Coast

The drugstore beetle, also known as the bread beetle or biscuit beetle, is a common insect that infests stored foods, seeds, and other materials. This beetle acquired its name from its tendency to eat herbs and plants which were often used in making many drugs, including poisonous substances such as belladonna and strychnine. The larvae of the drugstore beetle can cause considerable harm as they chew their way through food, herbs, and plants, leaving holes, damaging products, and making the food unusable.

Drugstore Beetle Habitat

The drugstore beetle thrives in warmer climates but can be found worldwide, especially in climate-controlled structures. Female drugstore beetles lay their eggs in almost any dry organic substance. Seasonings, grains, pet foods, books, wooden objects, and even aluminum foil, are popular items infested by these beetles. Adult drugstore beetles can fly, bore through wood, and can be identified by their rapid skittering movement.

Drugstore Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Drugstore beetles do not bite people and are not known to spread disease. They are considered unwanted pests due to the problems they cause for homeowners and businesses. It is in the larval stage that beetles do the most damage as they live, eat, and excrete waste within the products they’ve infested. Since the female drugstore beetle can lay more than 100 eggs at a time, she can make entire batches of food products unsalable. This means a drugstore beetle infestation in a home pantry or business can cause considerable monetary damage. If you are having an issue with drugstore beetles, it is best to consult a professional pantry pest control company for removal.