Pest Library

Stored-Product Insects

Posted by

ridpest

December 28, 2021

On May 27, 2021

Stored-Product Insects

February 23, 2013

Stored-product pests (SPI) are responsible for tremendous damage and economic losses to post-harvest and stored grains and seeds, packaged food products, and animal & plant-derived items & commodities. Besides direct damage caused by feeding, they are also a nuisance when infestations are found in these products. Cigarette beetles and rice weevils are a commonly encountered stored-product pest in the home and has long been associated
with humans.

Identification of Ants

CIGARETTE BEETLE

Small in size about (2 to 3 mm) and light to reddish brown in
colour
They have a rounded, oval shape and their heads are often
concealed by the pronotum
They prefer to hide in dark or dimly lit cracks and crevices but
become active and fly readily in bright, open areas
They infest and feed on flours, dried fruits, cereal, herbs, spices, nuts,
rice, dry pet food and other products that are kept in kitchen
cabinets or pantries. Non-food products that it infests include dried
plants, dried floral arrangements, potpourri & medicinal herbs
They do not bite, sting, or transmit any known diseases

RICE WEEVIL

Small in (about (2 to 3 mm) and are most commonly found in rice
They have dark brown or reddish-brown to black bodies with lighter
coloured patches found on the thorax and abdomen
Larvae look like small white grub-like worms
Under a microscope, long distinct snouts that extend from their
heads can be clearly seen
They infest and feed on whole grain and rice as well as nuts, beans,
cereal, seeds, corn, and other similar foods

CARPET BEETLE

The adults are small (1/16 to 1/8-inch), oval-shaped beetles ranging
in colour from black to various ‘mottled’ patterns of white, brown,
yellow and orange
Larvae are about (1/8 to 1/4-inch) long, tan to brownish in colour,
slow-moving, and densely covered with hairs or bristles
They infest carpets and many other items composed of wool, fur,
felt, silk, feathers, skins, and leathers

SPI Management at Home

All food containers and items should be checked for infestation.
Heavily infested items should be wrapped in a plastic bag, taken outside and thrown away.
To prevent reinfestation, clean up spilled flour, mixes, crumbs, etc. and thoroughly
vacuum and clean areas where the contaminated items were stored.
Store foods in airtight glass, metal or plastic containers. Clear containers make it easier
to check for infestations.

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