11/16/2023 0 Comments Biscuit beetleIndeed, both beetle species belong to the same family of death-watch beetles (Anobiidae) and both have a length of about 2 to 4 mm, are oval shaped, have fine hairs and are brown to reddish-brown in color (Figure 1). These beetles are very small, and are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye from the common furniture beetle, Anobium punctatum, also known as woodworm. They are often noticed only after the adult beetles have been encountered. They have legs and can move well in the starch source. The larvae of the biscuit beetle are 0.5 to 5 mm in size they are white in color with a dark head. How can I recognize and distinguish the biscuit beetle from the common woodworm beetle? They have been known to bore through plastic, paper and even aluminum foil. The only damage that adult biscuit beetles cause are emergence holes. In addition to the foraging damage in the produce itself, the larvae contaminate the food source with feces, molts, and cocoons. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae begin to feed. The biscuit beetle spreads by laying its eggs on a food source. They are attracted to light, so they are often found on windowsills or in curtains far from where they have developed. Adult biscuit beetles do not eat but they are good fliers. Not surprisingly, these beetles are most often discovered in the kitchen.Īlthough the beetles are most noticeable, only the larvae cause damage from feeding. They often enter your home without you knowing it via starchy products that you buy at the store which carry beetle eggs or larvae. They love heat and can be found in locations where a wide variety of dry food items are stored, such as food storage areas and pantries. How does the biscuit beetle get into the house?īiscuit beetles can be found all over the world, but they survive best in warm regions with temperate climates. ![]() Biscuit beetles can actually be found anywhere in the house. They breed in all kinds of hard, dry starchy products – bread (hence the Dutch name ‘broodkevertje’), rusks, cookies, macaroni and croutons - as well as in dog and cat treats and even cherry pit pads. ![]() ![]() This is one of the most common pests found in homes. This month we talk about a "pest" that does not feed on plants directly, but rather on starchy plant-based food products: the biscuit beetle, Stegobium paniceum. They come back every summer: the little beetles that people send to the Diagnostic Center for Plants.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |