Size
1/10”
Color
Brown to dark brown
Description
The Sawtoothed and Merchant Grain Beetles are so similar in appearance that it may require a magnifying glass to tell them apart and their breeding and eating habits are very similar. They both have six tiny notches on either side of their neck, giving them the appearance of a saw. The Merchant Grain Beetle is able to fly but not the Sawtoothed Grain Beetle.
The Sawtoothed and Merchant Grain Beetles are pests of any stored dried food. Common food sources include pastas, rice, cornmeal and flour, pet foods, herbs and spices, drugs, nuts and candy, dried fruits and cacao. They are able to chew through cardboard and other common packaging materials, often scattering the food through the storage area. The adult females lay eggs directly in the food source and it is possible that eggs, larvae and adults will be present in an infestation.
Control Advice
Store new dry food goods in airtight containers. Remove infested food and vacuum food storage area thoroughly.
Active Seasons
The Sawtoothed and Merchant Grain Beetles may be active all year.