#Biscuit beetle risk how to#

The exception to this is metal or cast iron, which Larvae also don’t munch on but can tunnel through for shelter while pupating. Many people wrongly believe that biscuit beetles only eat biscuits and drugs, when in reality, they’ll consume anything. They go for things like flour, pasta, grains, and – brace yourself – biscuits. They are, however, focused on areas where food has been kept. What Do They Feed on?ĭespite the fact that these tiny beetles aren’t picky eaters, they will consume whatever is available. However, development can be optimal when the temperature reaches 85☏ (-30☌), with 60 to 90% relative humidity. The life cycle of a biscuit beetle takes 2-7 months, depending on the food source and temperature.ĭevelopment can occur when the temperature is 60 to 93☏ (-15 to 34☌), on average. Once they emerge as adults, however, they can fly and only live for another 16 to 20 days. During this time, they are inactive inside a small cocoon formed from food materials. The pupal stage of biscuit beetles generally lasts 12-18 days. They spend 12 to 18 days in the pupal stage, during which time they’re inactive inside a cocoon made of food materials. White eggs are laid one by one over a span of 6 to 20 days and hatch into larvae anywhere from 26 to 100 days later, depending on external conditions such as weather or food availability.īiscuit beetle larvae go through 4 to 6 stages, each one lasting four weeks at most. They deposit eggs in leather, hair, horn, wool, wooden things, and museum specimens. Life Cycleīiscuit beetles go through the same four life stages as other beetle species – egg, larva, pupa, and adult.įemale biscuit beetles only lay between 75 to 100 eggs in their lifetime.īiscuit beetles lay their eggs in dry organic detritus, where the larvae dig when they are preparing to pupate. If you think you have a biscuit beetle infestation, it’s best to get an expert opinion to make sure. They are often confused for the Common Furniture Beetle (woodworm) because of their physical similarities. They get their nickname from their love of eating biscuits, but they will also feast on cereal products, dried fruit, and spices. They also have unique grooves on their wing covers – yes, they have wings, and they can fly. These beetles are typically small, hard-shelled, reddish-brown beetles with an oval-shaped body that is covered in short yellowish fine hairs. The biscuit beetle, or Stegobium Paniceum, is a small brown insect that measures 2.25 to 3.5 mm in length.

#Biscuit beetle risk how to#

How to Get Rid of and Prevent Biscuit Beetles?.