Sawtoothed Grain Beetle

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in pantries, food processing plants, warehouses, grocery stores, and anywhere dry food products are stored. They prefer warm, humid environments and can infest food packaging.

Diet & Feeding

The sawtoothed grain beetle primarily feeds on a variety of stored dry food products, including grains (especially oats, barley, wheat, and rice), cereals, pasta, dried fruits, pet food, birdseed, nuts, chocolate, and even dried tobacco and spices. They cannot feed on whole, undamaged grains.

Behavior Patterns

Sawtoothed grain beetles are highly mobile and can quickly infest stored food products. They can reproduce rapidly under favorable conditions, laying eggs directly on food sources. Both adults and larvae feed on grains and other dried goods. They are known to be active year-round in warm environments, such as homes and food processing facilities.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to stored food products, leading to economic losses and potential contamination of food with their waste. They do not bite or sting humans and are not known to transmit diseases. There are no known direct benefits to humans or the ecosystem, as they are considered a pest.

Identified on: 8/15/2025