What are Drugstore Beetles?

Drugstore beetles are small brown beetles that infest stored food products and other household items. Adults measure about 2 to 3.5 millimeters in length, with cylindrical bodies and fine grooves on their wing covers. They are named for their history of infesting pharmacies, where they fed on dried herbs and medicines, but today they are more commonly found in homes, grocery stores, and warehouses. Drugstore beetles can infest flour, cereal, pasta, spices, pet food, and even non-food items such as books, leather, and wool.

Signs of Drugstore Beetle Infestation

• Small brown beetles flying near windows, lights, or pantry areas
• Infested products containing live beetles or larvae
• Tiny round holes in food packaging such as paper, cardboard, or foil
• Damage to dry goods like flour, cereal, rice, or spices
• Beetles or larvae found in non-food items such as books, furniture stuffing, or dried herbs

Why They are a Problem

Drugstore beetles are a nuisance because they infest a wide range of household goods. Their larvae feed on almost any dried organic material, which means infestations can spread quickly from one product to another. Contaminated food must be thrown away, leading to food waste and frustration. In businesses such as grocery stores or food production facilities, infestations can cause significant financial loss and damage to reputation. Their ability to infest both food and non-food items makes them one of the most challenging pantry pests to manage.

Where Do They Come From?

Drugstore beetles are most often introduced into homes through infested products purchased at stores. Once inside, they spread to other pantry items or household goods. Adults are capable of flying and may move from one area of the home to another, making infestations difficult to contain. They are also attracted to light, which is why they are often spotted near windows or lamps. Warm, humid environments allow them to reproduce quickly, increasing the chances of infestation.

How to Get Rid of Drugstore Beetles at Home

If you are searching for how to get rid of drugstore beetles, here are some effective steps you can take:

• Inspect all dry goods and discard infested items immediately in sealed garbage bags
• Store food in airtight glass or hard plastic containers to prevent reinfestation
• Vacuum shelves, cracks, and corners to remove beetles, larvae, and eggs
• Wash pantry shelves with soap and water or vinegar after vacuuming
• Reduce clutter in storage areas to limit hiding spots for larvae
• Use pheromone traps to monitor adult beetle activity and detect ongoing infestations

These measures can help reduce beetle populations, but because they can hide in a wide variety of products, professional pest control is often needed for complete elimination.

Drugstore Beetles vs Cigarette Beetles

People often confuse drugstore beetles vs cigarette beetles because they look very similar. The differences are:

• Drugstore beetles have fine grooves running along their wing covers, while cigarette beetles have smooth wing covers.
• Both infest stored foods, but cigarette beetles are more commonly associated with tobacco products, while drugstore beetles are known for infesting both food and non-food items.
• Both pests require careful inspection and treatment, but identifying the exact species helps ensure the most effective solution.

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we provide complete solutions for drugstore beetle infestations. Our technicians identify the source of the infestation, remove affected products, and apply safe and targeted treatments that eliminate beetles at all life stages. We also recommend long-term prevention strategies such as proper food storage, sealing cracks, and reducing indoor humidity. With our expertise, you can keep your home or business free from drugstore beetles and protect your food supply.