Drugstore Beetle

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in pantries, kitchens, storage areas, warehouses, and anywhere dried food products, spices, or other susceptible materials are stored. They prefer warm, humid environments.

Diet & Feeding

The drugstore beetle is a generalist feeder and is known to infest a wide variety of dried food products including spices, flour, cereals, bread, pet food, dried fruit, tobacco, and even drugs (hence its common name) and books. They are also known to eat some non-food items like leather and wool.

Behavior Patterns

Adult drugstore beetles are nocturnal and are attracted to light, which is why they may be seen around windows or light fixtures. Females lay eggs on suitable food sources. The larvae are the damaging stage, burrowing into the food source and feeding as they develop. They pupate within the food material inside a cocoon.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include contamination and destruction of food products, leading to economic losses and potential health concerns if infested food is consumed. They are considered a pest in homes, grocery stores, and food processing facilities. There are no known benefits.

Identified on: 8/13/2025