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The sawtoothed grain beetle is an insect pest in stored grain and a common household pest found in dry, stored food products. Sawtoothed grain beetles attack almost any dry food but are most likely to be found in cereal products such as flour, cake mix, cornmeal, and macaroni and other items such as bread, dried fruits, nuts, chocolate and dry pet food.
Sawtoothed grain beetles are slender, flat, brown beetles only 3 mm long. Their name comes from the 6 tiny saw-like “teeth” on each side of the thorax. Both adults and small, off-white larvae will be found in an infested food item. The adult beetles often wander away from the infested material and will be found inside cupboards or anywhere in the house.
Control of any stored food pest requires locating and eliminating infested item(s). All potentially infested foods should be checked. The insects may be in unopened boxes or containers. Empty and thoroughly vacuum clean cupboards or shelves holding infested items, paying particular attention to cracks and corners. Vacuum cleaning picks up hiding insects and spilled or infested material. Empty the vacuum cleaner or discard the vacuum cleaner bag after use to prevent re-infestation.
As a precaution against re-infestation, you may want to store susceptible foods in sealable glass, metal or heavy plastic containers or in the refrigerator or freezer until you are convinced the infestation is gone.
