Stored Product Pests

Facts

• Name: Includes beetles (e.g. saw-toothed grain beetle, flour beetle), moths (e.g. Indian meal moth), weevils, and psocids. Species vary by commodity and region.
• Life cycle: Most species undergo complete metamorphosis
  Egg: Eggs are laid directly in or near food sources
  Larvae: Larvae feed on stored materials and cause the most damage
  Development: Development time varies by species and environmental conditions, typically ranging from three weeks to several months
  Adult: Adults may live for weeks to over a year depending on species and habitat
• Description:
  Small insects ranging from 1 to 10 mm in length. Beetles often have hard, ridged bodies; moths have scaled wings and are more mobile. Larvae are typically creamy-white and worm-like. Species are adapted to dry, enclosed environments and often go unnoticed until populations are established.
• Behaviour: 
  Feed on a wide range of stored goods including grains, cereals, flour, nuts, dried fruit, spices, and animal feed. Some species bore into packaging or contaminate products with frass, cast skins, or webbing Infestations often begin unnoticed and spread rapidly. Can survive in low-moisture environments and reproduce continuously under favourable conditions.
• Habitat:

  Found globally in food storage facilities, warehouses, processing plants, retail environments, and domestic kitchens. Infestations often originate from contaminated raw materials or packaging. Prefer dry, undisturbed areas with access to food sources. Can persist in cracks, machinery, shelving, and insulation.