Like many of the other beetles that infest pantries, the saw-toothed grain beetle likes a variety of foods. But one of its special favorites is oatmeal, so your breakfast menu may have to change suddenly if you encounter one of these little bugs in your oatmeal packet. Look for an insect that is:
- ¼ inch long and slender
- Brownish red in color
- Equipped with six saw-like projections on either side of the thorax
- Active (likes to scuttle around)
- Unable to fly
- Not attracted to light
Although the saw-toothed grain beetle is sometimes confused with the less common merchant grain beetle, the saw-toothed pest has smaller eyes and a triangular-shaped head.
In addition to oatmeal, the saw-toothed grain beetle likes to eat it way through:
- bran
- dried fruits and nuts
- sugar
- chocolate
- macaroni
Sealed plastic packages or even food wrapped in foil won’t stop this pest; it can eat its way through packaging. The female lays its eggs in a food source individually or in small batches. the white, shiny eggs hatch into yellowish-white larvae before becoming adults. Females can lay between 45 and 285 eggs per year, producing up to seven generations during that time. The beetles live an average of 6 to 10 months, but have been known to live as long as three years.
As a Home Protection Plan customer, if you’re not satisfied with our pest control service, we will service your home at no additional cost until your issue is solved or receive your money back from your last scheduled service.
The saw-toothed grain beetle doesn’t spread disease or bite, but the urine and excrement it leaves behind in its food sources can create favorable conditions for the growth of mold. to rid yourself of this unwelcome guest:
- Try to identify the sources of contamination and dispose of it in a tightly sealed plastic bag
- Vacuum everything in the pantry or storage area, especially crevices where the beetles might hide
- Ventilate the area to reduce the humidity that the beetle likes
- Store foods that can be infested in glass or plastic containers with tight-sealing lids
If the problem persists, don’t keep throwing away spoiled food! Give Brody Brothers a call and schedule your pest control service today.
