These bugs are commonly found in temperate regions. They frequently infest food processing facilities like flour mills, bakeries, and cereal manufacturing plants.

Drugstore beetles feed on a variety of household items, including flour-based foods like bread. They also eat spices, wool, hair, and even leather. They are not picky eaters and will find something to feed on in your house.

Like most beetles, drugstore beetles go through the standard lifecycle of egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Their lifecycle typically lasts between 40-50 days. Females can lay up to 100 eggs in their lifetime, so they can multiply rather quickly in your home.  

Drugstore beetles are not harmful to humans or pets, but they can contaminate large amounts of food if not controlled. Because they contaminate food with their waste, it is considered unsafe to eat and must be discarded.

Prevent these pests from contaminating your food by storing it in air-tight glass or plastic containers. Once you notice an infestation, any contaminated foods must be thrown out. Vacuum contaminated areas to dispose of eggs and eliminate beetles. Placing sticky traps and pheromone traps can catch any stragglers left in the area. To prevent further infestation, spray insecticide around the area the beetles were in.

If you find yourself with a drugstore beetle infestation, call us for a quick and efficient removal.