Drugstore Beetle

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in human dwellings, pharmacies, grocery stores, warehouses, and any location where dried food products, books, or plant materials are stored.

Diet & Feeding

Broad range of dried foods including flour, cereals, spices, pet food, dried fruit, tobacco, books, and even some drugs.

Behavior Patterns

The larva of drugstore beetles are the damaging stage, burrowing into food items. Adults are proficient fliers and are attracted to light, especially at night. They can infest a wide range of dried products and are often found in pantries or warehouses. Females can lay up to 75 eggs on food sources, and the entire life cycle can be completed in 30-50 days under ideal conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include contamination and destruction of stored food products, leading to economic losses. They are considered a significant pest in homes and food industries. There are no known benefits.

Identified on: 8/25/2025