Small brown beetles in your pantry? Then it’s most likely the drugstore beetle – one of the most common stored-product pests in German households. The certified experts at Bio-Kammerjaeger explain how to quickly identify an infestation and effectively combat it.

What does a drugstore beetle look like?

The drugstore beetle ( Stegobium paniceum ) is 1 to 3 millimeters long, reddish-brown in color, and slightly hairy. Its larvae are yellowish-white, up to 5 millimeters long, and spin a cocoon to pupate – often directly in your food packaging.

What does the drugstore beetle eat?

The drugstore beetle is a true omnivore. It infests almost everything in your pantry:

• Flour, rice, rolled oats, spices and pasta
• Bread, biscuits, muesli, nuts and chocolate
• Medicines, books, leather and wallpaper paste

Drugstore beetles chew their way through paper and cardboard packaging. Tiny exit holes and feeding marks in packaging are often the first visible signs of an infestation.

Is the drugstore beetle dangerous?

Drugstore beetles do not transmit diseases directly to humans. However, as hygiene and stored-product pests, they should be taken seriously – their larvae contaminate food with excrement and webbing, thus promoting the proliferation of mites and mold in your stored goods. The team at Bio-Kammerjaeger deals with exactly these kinds of infestations every day .

How can I prevent it?

When shopping, check for damaged packaging and webbing. Always store grain products, spices, and dried fruit in a cool place and in tightly sealed containers. Regularly cleaning your pantry shelves allows you to detect an infestation early and prevent further spread.

Drugstore beetles discovered – what to do immediately?

• Dispose of all contaminated food immediately
• Thoroughly clean pantry cupboards – including all crevices and corners
• Freeze visually undamaged food for 72 hours
• Set up pheromone traps to control the infestation
• Transfer all supplies into sealed glass or plastic containers in the future
  

When do you need professional help?

For minor infestations, the above measures can often resolve the problem themselves. However, for severe or recurring infestations, professional pest control is essential. Bio-Kammerjaeger uses state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly methods – effective, discreet, and without unnecessarily polluting your indoor air. Contact us today.