Sawtoothed Grain Beetles in Kailua Kona
Certain insects are attracted to stored products in homes, grocery stores, food houses, or grain storage facilities. The sawtoothed grain beetle is one of these insects that invade foods through the cracks and crevices of defective sealed containers. These foods usually consist of grains, flour, sugar, nuts, and other plant-based dry materials. Their appearance is similar to the merchant grain beetle, however, the sawtoothed beetle cannot fly. Their flat body assists in penetrating the fractured kernels of grain or packaged materials. Their presence contaminates the food and can cause mold problems.
Sawtoothed Grain Beetle Habitat
Sawtoothed grain beetles reside in food manufacturing, storage, and retail facilities, as well as pantries in homes. Within the cracks of kernels of grain, one female can lay up to 250 eggs. While the larvae usually cause the most damage, these are easily undetected to the naked eye. The infestation is most commonly discovered when an adult is noticed in the pantry region.
Sawtoothed Grain Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
While the food tampered with by the sawtoothed grain beetle is damaged and contaminated, the beetle is not known to transmit any diseases to humans. These beetles also do not bite or sting when encountered. It is quite easy for an adult beetle to penetrate sealed boxes or soft packaging. Their entrance into your home usually comes from bringing them home from a contaminated product purchased from the grocery store.
If you have sawtoothed grain beetles in your Kailua Kona property, contact your local pantry pest control experts for help.
