Drugstore beetle

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in pantries, kitchens, and warehouses stored around dry plant-based materials and processed foods.

Diet & Feeding

A generalist feeder consuming a wide variety of dried plant products including flour, bread, spices (like paprika), dry pet food, cereals, tea, and even pharmaceutical drugs.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are capable of flight and are attracted to light. They undergo complete metamorphosis; the larvae do most of the damage by tunneling through food sources and leaving behind silk-like debris.

Risks & Benefits

They are a significant pantry pest that can contaminate stored food products with excrement and cocoaons. They do not bite or sting humans and carry no known diseases, but infested food should be discarded.

Identified on: 3/28/2026