Pantry & Fabric Pests
Stored Product Pests
A group of small beetles and weevils — such as flour beetles, grain beetles and drugstore beetles — that infest flour, grains, spices and other dry goods.
Quick facts
- Size
- 2–4 mm
- Colour
- Reddish-brown to dark brown
- Active season
- Year-round indoors
- Where found
- Pantries, warehouses, restaurants, grocery stores
How to Identify
- Tiny brown beetles in or near dry food
- Includes flour beetles, sawtoothed grain beetles, drugstore beetles and weevils
- Weevils have a long snout
Signs to Look For
- Beetles crawling in or around food packages
- Small holes in packaging
- Powdery residue or larvae in flour, cereal or spices
Why It Matters
- Contaminate food and make it unsellable
- Spread through warehouses and stock rooms
- A concern during food safety inspections
Prevention Tips
- Store dry goods in sealed containers
- Rotate stock — first in, first out
- Inspect deliveries and clean shelves regularly
More Pantry & Fabric Pests
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Carpet Beetle
Small, round beetles whose larvae feed on wool, fur, feathers and other natural fibres — damaging carpets, clothing and stored items.
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Clothes Moth
Small, golden-beige moths whose larvae eat wool, silk, fur and other animal fibres in closets and storage.
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Indian Meal Moth
The most common pantry moth in Canadian homes.
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