Thursday, January 21, 2010

The Saw Toothed Grain Beetle

Tiny saw-toothed grain beetles are found throughout the world. These beetles attack such foods as cereals, breakfast foods, biscuit mixes, sugar, macaroni, flour, rice, dried meats, and dries fruits.

They are primarily found where these foods are stored. Their presence in the food makes it undesirable for human consumption. However displeasing the sight of them may be, there are no diseases associated with the insects.

Saw-toothed beetles are unable to break or eat through hard shelled seeds such as corn, but they may be found in grain containing broken kernels or in processed cereal products.

Saw-toothed grain beetles are most likely to be found in foods that have been stored for a long period of time. Food containers that are refilled without being emptied and cleaned out are also a target for these insects.

The adult beetle is brown and about an eighth of an inch long (1/8 in.). Their flat, narrow bodies make it easy for them to enter cracks in storage areas or packaged materials. The middle section of the beetle's body, has saw-like projections on each side. Although they have fully developed wings, these beetles rarely fly.
To lessen the chances of grain beetle infestations, store food in glass, plastic or metal containers with tight fitting lids.
For more information about this pest and many others, please visit our website at www.swatpestpro.com or give us a call at 1-800-894-8024.
We look forward to serving you!

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