Sawtooth Grain Beetle
Identification
The sawtoothed grain beetle is a small beetle, about 2.5 to 3 mm long. Its body flat and is brown in colour. The beetle gets its name from six saw-like teeth on each side of the body, behind the head. The larvae are white-yellow in colour and about 2.5 to 3 mm long, with six legs.
Behaviour
This beetle and larvae feeds on grains, flours, cereals, nuts, sugar, dog food, and many other stored products that may be in a kitchen’s cupboards or pantry. The adult beetle’s small, flat body allows it easily to penetrate packaging and hide in cracks and crevices. The adult beetle lays 45 to 285 eggs in the cracks and crevices of the foods in which they are infesting, and eggs hatch within 3 to 17 days. The larvae develop for another 20 to 30 days before becoming an adult beetle.
Prevention
Sanitation is the best prevention for the sawtoothed grain beetle. Cupboards, pantries, and food storage and handling areas should be kept clean and vacuumed regularly and spills should be removed quickly. Store food products in containers with tight-fitting lids, made of glass, metal or plastic. To kill off any insects in imported dry food products, freeze them in a household freezer for at least a week before transferring the products to the cupboards.
Control
Since these insects live in food and food preparation areas, a pest professional will assist you in determining which treatments will be effective and safe to control this pest.
Grain Beetle Preparation Sheet
Copyright © 2008 Victoria Pest Control Ltd.
To achieve the best results from a pantry pest treatment, it is important to carry out the following steps:
Before the Treatment
You must inspect all dry food, opened and unopened packages, and dispose of those that are infested. Any dry foods that are not used within 3-4 weeks should be in sealed containers.
You must empty all kitchen cupboards and drawers. This includes any other areas that contain food materials such as pantry closets. Please inspect pet food areas as well.
Wash all cupboards and drawers and slit the edges of any shelf paper.
Keep counter tops clear.
Ensure that aquariums are removed or covered and that the filter and pump are disconnected.
Precaution:
When insecticide treatments are applied to enclosed areas or continuously occupied living or working spaces, people and pets should vacate for 4-6 hours. Pregnant women, Children under 2 years of age and people with respiratory problems or health concerns should vacate for 12-24 hours and consult their doctor. Pet birds should be out for 24 hours.
Following treatment
Ventilate upon re-entry to the treated area by opening doors and windows.
DO NOT wash cupboards for a minimum of 8 weeks following treatment.
Wash down all countertops.
Please Note
Pest activity may be observed for a couple of weeks after treatment. This is not unusual and may be due to newly hatched insects, which have not yet come into contact with the insecticide. The insects will eventually die. If you are still seeing activity after three weeks, contact our office and we will organize for any additional treatment that may be necessary.
Copyright © 2008 Victoria Pest Control Ltd. 501 Kelvin Road, Victoria BC V8Z 1C4
