Appearance:
Sawtoothed grain beetles are flattened and reddish-brown in color. They have six sawtooth-like projections on each side of their thorax.

Size:
1/10-inch long.

Behavior:
Sawtoothed grain beetles are common stored-food product pests. They often lay batches of 300 or so eggs in whatever food material they are infesting. Their entire life cycle (egg, larvae, pupae, adult) can be completed in less than two months. Adult beetles usually live 6-10 months, but can survive for up to three years, remaining active and feeding. Several generations can occur each year.

These beetles are capable of chewing through unopened paper or cardboard boxes, cellophane, plastic, and foil wrapped packages. Once inside, populations can grow rapidly and spread to other stored foods, and into food debris in cupboard corners, cracks, and crevices. Sawtoothed grain beetles are usually found leaving the infested food to crawl about the house.

Adults and larvae are external feeders, feeding on fine food particles rather than whole grains. Large populations of this beetle can develop quickly, forcing adult beetles to seek new food sources. They cannot fly but have running legs, much like cockroaches, and seek shelter when disturbed.

Habitat:
The Sawtoothed grain beetle prefers cereal-based products; however, it can infest cornmeal, cornstarch, popcorn, rice, dried fruits, raisins, flour, dry pet foods, bran, macaroni, sugar, bread, and similar foodstuffs.

They are capable of chewing into unopened paper or cardboard boxes, through cellophane, plastic, and foil wrapped packages. Once inside, populations build up rapidly often spreading to other stored foods and into food debris accumulated in the cupboard corners.

Damage Caused:
Sawtoothed grain beetles generally contaminate more food than they consume. It can also attack dried meats, prescription drugs and tobacco. Its varied diet makes it a commonly encountered pest in many different processed-food industries and distribution sites.

Control:
The easiest and most effective control method is to locate the source of infestation and quickly dispose of it. Examine all food storage areas and food products carefully, and discard heavily infested foods in heavy-duty, sealed plastic bags or in sealed containers.

It is also helpful to examine foods such as flour, cereal, dry pet food, candy, rice, dry pastas, and similar items for possible infestations that may be carried into the home, especially in damaged packages and boxes. Store these items in bags enclosed in tight-fitting containers. Purchase seldom-used foods in small quantities and prevent long storage periods, especially during warmer months. Store dry foods in the refrigerator when possible.

Make sure to keep storage areas clean and avoid spilling grains and dry foods in pantries and cabinets. Use a powerful vacuum to clean any spills or food particles, and keep all kitchen and pantry areas well-ventilated as Red flour beetles are attracted to moisture and moisture damaged foods.

Vacuuming the cabinets is much more beneficial than washing them. Vacuuming will remove flour dust and scraps in the cracks and crevices of the cabinet, while washing may make a paste of the flour which these pests can feed on.

Remember, Sawtoothed grain beetles can survive on even the smallest bit of food, and they possess the ability to find it as well, so thorough sanitation is essential in controlling these pests.

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