The Drugstore beetles tend to consume pharmacological items. It typically feeds on dried herbs and plant material that is sometimes used as medication.It also consumes various dry food and spices, hair, leather, books, etc.
As it can survive on bread or biscuit crumbs, the drugstore beetle is often referred to as the biscuit or bread beetle. These creepy crawlies are something that nobody wants to find. So, it is important to address the issue as soon as you realize they are infesting dried food items such as cereals, spices, and flour. In this blog, we have the reasons for drugstore beetle infestation and a few expert ways to get rid of these nasty creatures!
What Attracts Drugstore Beetles to Your Home?
Drugstore beetles can find a way to your home through already-infested items in different parts of the house, apart from the kitchen and pantries. They are more attracted to dry products available in the kitchen, which include -
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Flour, cereals, spices
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Chocolates and other sweet items
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Stored grains and processed foods
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Pet food (because why should your little furry friend have all the fun?)
These small and reddish-brown beetles are usually seen in the food storage areas. Also, you might find their wings covered with fine hairs and have small pits, ridges, or indentations. That’s what makes them different from other pests of a similar kind. Moreover, you may find small, white, C-shaped larvae here and there in the kitchen or the storage areas.
5 Ways to Get Rid of Drugstore Beetles
Getting rid of drugstore beetles involves throwing away all the contaminated food items, thoroughly cleaning, and applying the right kind of pesticide. So, here we have mentioned five excellent ways to eliminate drugstore beetles:
Assess the Scale of Infestation
The first step to eliminate them is to understand where they’re coming from. Check the cereal and flour boxes for small larvae or tiny beetles that look like tiny white worms. Also, look for packaged food if they have been damaged. If you see signs of broken or chewed-on packaged food, that’s your cue.
In addition, look in spaces that are dark and humid, such as cupboards and pantry. These tiny creepers thrive in such conditions. If you don’t find any sign of them, look for their eggs as they lay eggs in such spaces to keep them away from prying eyes.
Get Rid of Contaminated Food
Food items such as cereals, beans, grains, sugar, flour, etc., should be disposed of as soon as they are contaminated. They can easily chew through these items, and if you don’t start with a fresh batch, they will most likely come back.
If you don’t want to throw the food items away, you can always freeze them at 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below, for at least 48 hours. Also, you can even heat them at 140 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 hours. This will kill the beetles of all stages. However, it is advisable to throw them away as there is a chance of missing some beetles or larvae that can bring the infestation back.
Vacuum the Food Storage
Pests like drugstore beetles always hide in the corners and crevices. Hence, it is advisable to thoroughly vacuum these spaces. Once you’re done vacuuming, clean the area with warm and soapy water.
This additional step ensures the area is clean and free of these bugs. Also, remember to empty the trashbin of your vacuum into sealed bags, and throw them away far from the home.
| Notes | You can use any dishwasher or detergent liquid to wash off the area. Also, throw away the rag that was used to wash off the cabinets, as they can collect eggs and the problem can recur. |
Treat Drugstore Beetles With Insecticides
Though DIY works well for eliminating pests, drugstore beetles should be taken care of immediately. Hence, it is advisable to start with a pyrethrin-based spray. The spray does not act as a residual barrier. Instead, they knock down the adult beetles, in addition to larvae.
Next, apply a broad-range pyrethin-based insecticide to the nook and corners of the infested space. They have a longer residual effect and can kill the beetles and other pests that come in contact with it.
| Notes | It is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using these products. |
Use Pheromone Traps
Sometimes, even after vacuuming and cleaning, these pests tend to stay. That’s why using a pheromone sticky trap can be effective. These traps contain scent and adhesive. The scent attracts these creepers, and when they reach near or on to them, they stick to the trap.
Replace the traps once they are full, and it is wise to continue using them until you stop seeing any signs of drugstore beetles in and around your home. Also, ensure to dispose of them outside the home to prevent any future infestation.
Conclusion
The above mentioned ways to get rid of drugstore beetles work very well. However, it is also important to prevent them from coming back and spreading the infestation again. All you need to do is take away their food source and block the entry paths. The best way to block their food source is to keep the food in a sealed and air-tight container. Also, fill in the cracks near the cabinet or storage that may work as a pathway for these pests.
