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What Are Drugstore Beetles?
Drugstore beetles got their name because they are pantry pests that were frequently found feeding on drugs in pharmacies. However, they also happily feed on dry food goods, like flour products, spices, seeds, and dry pet food, along with non-food items like wool, aluminum foil, leather, and books.
Adult drugstore beetles grow to be about 1/8th of an inch in length. When viewed from above, it appears as if they have no head because it is bent at a downward angle. Their bent heads also make them look like they have a humpback.
Adult drugstore beetles are a reddish-brown color. They are winged and capable of flight. Their wings are covered in lines of deep grooves, which gives them a striated appearance.
Drugstore beetle larvae are small, grub-like in appearance, and whitish in color.
Are Drugstore Beetles Dangerous?
Drugstore beetles are not considered to be dangerous to people and they are not known to spread diseases. However, they are considered a nuisance pest that can contaminate food sources and damage personal items, and therefore should be eliminated from your home as quickly as possible.
Drugstore beetles lay their eggs in food items. Once hatched, the larvae will begin to feed on the food it is in. Adult beetles may also damage your belongings if they feel on them. While this damage is typically minimal, they may ruin books or clothing if the infestation is not eliminated.
What Causes Drugstore Beetles?
Drugstore beetles are strong fliers that are attracted to light. Adult drugstore beetles often enter homes through spaces around doors and windows because they see the light through the cracks.
Another common way for drugstore beetles to get into homes is through food products that are already infested with their eggs or larvae. You could accidentally start a drugstore beetle infestation in your house if you purchase contaminated items at the grocery store.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get Rid of Drugstore Beetles Myself?
Do-it-yourself pest control products are not only ineffective against drugstore beetles and other household pests, but they can be dangerous for you, your family, and your pets to be around, especially if they are not mixed or placed properly. Pest control products should never be used in close proximity to food, which is often where drugstore beetles are found.
The best way to safely and completely get rid of these pests and prevent a re-infestation is to get help from an expert in drugstore beetle control, like the team here at All-American Pest Control. If drugstore beetles have infested your kitchen, pantry, or other areas of your home, contact us today.
How Do I Prevent A Drugstore Beetle Infestation?
Along with putting into place a year-round pest control program from the pest control experts at All-American Pest, the following prevention tips can help to prevent problems with drugstore beetles in your home:
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Caulk any spaces around exterior windows and doors to help stop adults from entering your home.
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If possible, replace white outdoor light bulbs with yellow, insect-deterring light bulbs.
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When buying food products from a store, inspect the packaging to ensure that there are no holes or rips.
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Place dry goods into plastic or glass containers that have tight-fitting lids instead of keeping them in their original packaging.
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Clean out your kitchen's pantry and cabinets on a regular basis and be sure to get rid of older or expired food items.
To schedule your free home evaluation, contact us today at All-American Pest Control!
Why Choose All-American Pest Control?
With over 60 years of experience, we know the time, effort, and patience it takes to solve any pest problem, including problems with stored product pests like drugstore beetles. With All-American Pest Control, you’ll receive quality services, thorough treatments, and a commitment to solving your pest problems from our trained and friendly pest control experts.
Our Perimeter Plus pest control plan provides year-round protection from drugstore beetles and over 47 other common pests. Offering quarterly services to maintain your home’s pest protection, Perimeter Plus provides guaranteed results. Contact us to schedule your free home evaluation today.
