How To Get Rid Of Drugstore Beetles
The way to get rid of drugstore beetles (also called bread beetles or biscuit beetles) is to take a thorough, multi-step approach focused on eliminating their food source, cleaning, and applying targeted pest control measures. Here’s how to get rid of drugstore beetles:
Identify and Locate Infestations
Inspect food products – Drugstore beetles infest dry goods such as flour, rice, pasta, cereal, spices, pet food, and even tobacco or dried herbs. Look for small holes in packaging or fine powder.
Check non-food items – They can also infest dried flowers, books, leather, and even prescription drugs in some cases.
Look for adult beetles – Small reddish-brown beetles often found near windows, light fixtures, or crawling on shelves.
Remove and Discard Infested Items
Seal infested products in plastic bags and dispose of them immediately outside the property.
Do not attempt to salvage contaminated food; larvae and eggs are often hidden and difficult to detect.
Deep Clean Storage Areas
Vacuum cracks, crevices, and shelves to remove food debris, larvae, and eggs.
Wash surfaces with warm, soapy water or a mild disinfectant to eliminate food residues that may attract reinfestation.
Replace or wash shelf liners where infestations were present.
Store Food Properly
Place dry goods in airtight glass, metal, or heavy plastic containers.
Avoid storing products in thin plastic bags or cardboard, as beetles can chew through them.
Rotate food stock so older products are used first, preventing long-term storage that can attract pests.
Apply Targeted Pest Control (If Needed)
Insecticide sprays or dusts may be applied to cracks, crevices, and shelving—not directly on food.
Pheromone traps can be used to monitor activity and reduce adult beetle numbers, though they do not eliminate infestations alone.
Professional pest control may use residual insecticides in problem areas for long-term protection.
The way to get rid of drugstore beetles is to find and eliminate their food source, thoroughly clean affected areas, store goods in airtight containers, and use targeted pest control methods.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Drugstore Beetles
Our professional pest control services are the most effective and reliable way to eliminate drugstore beetles from a home or business because our specialists combine expertise, tools, and proven treatment methods to address the problem at its source. Unlike DIY attempts that often miss hidden breeding sites, our licensed pest control professionals begins with a comprehensive inspection to identify infested products, structural vulnerabilities, and areas where beetles may be hiding, such as cracks, wall voids, or overlooked storage spaces.
After identifying the infestation, our professionals apply targeted treatments using industry-grade insecticides that are safe when properly applied but far more effective than over-the-counter products. These treatments are carefully directed into cracks, crevices, and non-food contact surfaces where beetles lay eggs and hide, ensuring thorough elimination of larvae and adults. In addition, our technicians may install pheromone monitoring traps to track activity levels, verify the success of treatments, and prevent future outbreaks.
Another critical advantage of our professional services is prevention guidance. Our pest control experts advise clients on best practices for food storage, inventory rotation, and structural exclusion to make the environment less conducive to reinfestation. Businesses benefit especially, since uncontrolled drugstore beetle infestations can lead to very costly product losses, regulatory issues, and reputational damage.
Ultimately, while cleaning and discarding infested items are essential first steps, our professional pest control delivers the most complete solution, combining inspection, targeted treatment, and prevention strategies to ensure drugstore beetles are eliminated quickly and do not return.