Sawtoothed & Merchant Grain Beetle

Description

Merchant grain beetles are typically not found in grain products, but instead like to attack cereals, cake mixes, macaroni, cookies and chocolate. Merchant grain beetles are dark brown and have six saw-like teeth on each side of their bodies. They can grow to be one-eighth of an inch long and have very flat bodies.

Pest Facts

Color
Brown

Legs
Six

Shape
Narrow oval

Size
1/8 inch

Antennae
Yes

Flying
Can fly and drawn to light

Region
All 50 states

Habits

The merchant grain beetle’s body shape allows it to crawl into packaging to eat, live and place eggs.

Habitat

Merchant grain beetles are found in pantries or in food processing areas or warehouses.

Threats

Merchant grain beetles can infest stored food products and can contaminate food.

Prevention

Discard infested packages. Clean spilled grain and food sources.

All information contained within is sourced directly from the National Pest Management Association.