Beetles - Merchant Grain

Anobiid and Lyctus species

General information: Brown in colour, has six legs, Narrow oval , 1/10” in length.

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.

Habits

The merchant grain beetle's body shape allows it to crawl into packaging to eat, live and have babies.

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.