Indianmeal Moth
Color: Copper reddish coloring on outer part of wings
Legs: 6
Shape: Elongated oval
Size: 5/8 – 3/4 inch long
Antennae: Yes
Region: Found throughout the U.S.
Habits
Indian Meal Moths are attracted to light and the adults can fly.
Habitat
Indianmeal Moths are found worldwide in areas where food is processed or stored, such as grocery stores. The adults are typically found flying in food storage areas, while the larvae are typically in the food itself. Their preferred foods are bird seed, dog food, dried fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, chocolate, candies, powdered milk, dried red peppers and candy.
Threats
Indianmeal Moths infest foods and can consume and contaminate food products with their fecal matter, webbing, and body parts.
Prevention
Dried food products (such as pet foods, cereal, baking mixes, cocoa, etc.) should be inspected thoroughly for signs of Indianmeal Moth infestations. Discard infested foods in outdoor trash bins. Clean infested areas thoroughly with a vacuum and soap and water. Store food in sealed containers. Work with a licensed pest management company to eliminate and prevent infestations.
Warehouse Beetle
Color: Brownish black with yellow markings
Legs: 6
Shape: Oval
Size: 1/4 – 1/8 inches long
Antennae: Yes
Region: Found throughout the U.S.
Habits
Warehouse beetles are attracted to light and can fly. They molt 32 times as larvae, thus leaving behind many shed “skins” as evidence of their presence.
Habitat
Warehouse beetles are found worldwide in areas where food is processed or stored, such as grocery stores. They live and feed on grain products such as baking mixes, seeds, candy, dried fruits, pet foods, nuts, and cereals.
Threats
Warehouse beetles infest grain-based stored foods and can consume and contaminate food products with their fecal matter, body parts, and molting’s.
Prevention
Food products should be inspected thoroughly for signs of Warehouse beetle infestations. Discard all infested foods in outdoor trash bins. Clean the infested areas thoroughly with a vacuum and soap and water. Store food in sealed containers. Work with a licensed pest management company to eliminate and prevent infestations.
Rice Weevil
Color: Reddish-brown to black
Legs: 6
Shape: There are small round pits onthe thorax
Size: 1/8 inch in length
Antennae: Yes
Region: Found throughout the U.S.
Habits
Weevils (rice, granary, and maize) are among the most destructive pests of grains, seeds, and grain products stored in elevators and bins. Adult Rice weevils live for four to five months and each female lays 300 to 400 eggs during this period. Rice weevils are capable of flying, and infestations may develop in the field prior to harvest.
Habitat
Weevils feed primarily on grains such as wheat, corn, macaroni, oats, barley, sorghum, but may also infest pre-made uncooked pastas. As internal feeders, they typically do not infest processed grains or flours.
Threats
Weevils develop within grain kernels and devour the inside of kernels stored in grain elevators or bins. Due to their respiration, infested grain may be warm and damp at the surface.
Prevention
Prevention is the best strategy to avoid insect problems in stored grains. Proper bin sanitation before introduction of new grain reduces the need for pesticides. Good sanitation includes the removal of old grain and dust in and around the grain bin. Work with a licensed pest management company to eliminate and prevent infestations.
Drugstore Beetle
Color: Brown
Legs: 6
Shape: Oval
Size: 1/8 inches in length
Antennae: Yes
Region: Found throughout the U.S.
Habits
Adult Drugstore beetles live for two to three months and each female lays 40 – 70 eggs. They are strong fliers and attracted to light. Drugstore Beetles will feed on grain products and pharmaceuticals. Often confused with Cigarette beetles, the Drugstore beetle has pits on its wings, while the Cigarette beetle is smooth.
Habitat
The Drugstore beetle flies and is attracted to light. It is most likely to be found indoors where temperatures are warm and food sources are sufficient.
Threats
Drugstore beetles can consume and contaminate foods with their fecal matter and body parts.
Prevention
Food products should be inspected thoroughly for signs of Drugstore beetle infestations. Discard all infested foods in outdoor trash bins. Clean the infested areas thoroughly with a vacuum and soap and water. Store food in sealed containers. Work with a licensed pest management company to eliminate and prevent infestations.
Flour Beetle
Color: Reddish brown
Legs: 6
Shape: Elongated oval
Size: 1/8 inches long
Antennae: Yes
Region: Found throughout the U.S.
Habits
Flour beetles (specifically the Red Flour beetle and the Confused Flour beetle) are commonly found indoors infesting stored grain products. The Red Flour beetle flies, while the Confused Flour beetle does not.
Habitat
Flour beetles are found in warm and dry climates worldwide, most commonly in granaries, flour mills, feed mill, food processing facilities, and homes. Flour beetles do not feed on whole grain kernels; they are scavengers, feeding on the grain after the seed coat has been broken. They feed primarily on flour as well as processed grains such as baking powder, baking mixes, cereal, beans, and pet food.
Threats
Flour Beetles consume and contaminate food product with their fecal matter and body parts.
Prevention
Dried food products should be inspected thoroughly for signs of Flour Beetle infestations. Discard all infested foods in outdoor trash bins. Clean infested areas thoroughly with a vacuum and soap and water. Store food products in sealed containers. Work with a licensed pest management company to eliminate and prevent infestations.