Cupboard beetle

categories: Fact Sheet Food and Fabric Pests

revision date: 2025-05-06 09:07

Biology

Cupboard beetles are a collection of beetle species that attack stored grain products or household foodstuffs. They range from 1/8 inch in length to a little smaller. They are variously colored, but tend to be brownish. Most of them can fly. Once established in food, populations of these insects can explode and move through the home and infest any exposed food. While some enter from outside, most come in purchased food, particularly dry pet food.

These beetles can enter a home in large and disturbing numbers to feed on food, such as bird seed or pet food, which mice or other rodents have stored in wall voids. Beetles commonly found in these environments include: drugstore beetle, sawtoothed grain beetle, merchant grain beetle, cigarette beetle, flour beetle, spider beetle, rice weevil, granary weevil, and carpet beetle. The drugstore beetle is the most frequent offender in western Washington. The sawtoothed grain beetle and flour beetles are probably the major ones in eastern Washington, but weevils are nearly as important.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful pest management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Pests can get into most cardboard packaging, so store foodstuffs in tightly-sealed containers if they are not going to be used in the near future.
• If cupboard beetles become apparent, locate the food source immediately and get rid of it. Then do a thorough inspection of all other stored food products.
• Don’t store excess foodstuffs, such as grains, cereals, baking mixes, etc., for long periods of time.
• Keep dry pet foods away from the general pantry area and in a tightly sealed container.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended