Behavior

The warehouse beetle, like its name might imply, is a stored product pest, from the same family, Dermestidae, as the khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium). It is an important pest because its larvae, and cast-off skins from larval molts, can contaminate foodstuffs, can cause intestinal irritation and distress if ingested, especially in infants. In addition to warehouses, this beetle turns up in seaports, and is common in most parts of the United States. The warehouse beetle has a varied appetite, infesting cake mixes, candy, cereals, cocoa, cookies, corn and corn meal, dog food, egg noodles, grits, macaroni, oats, peas, potato chips, raisins, rice, spices, yeast – pretty much the whole store. This beetle also will feed on dead insects and rodents, and animal-protein food products. The larvae prefer dark places, and like high-protein seeds, legumes, cereals and nuts.

Treatment:

Inspect the above-mentioned items for warehouse beetles or other pests, keep your kitchen and other areas clean, store items in Tupperware-type containers or sealed glass jars in a dry place, and rotate products, using your older goods first. If you think your warehouse beetle problem is escalating, call Clark Pest Control. Our highly trained technicians have the expert knowledge to solve your pest problem quickly.