Biscuit Beetles
Key Features
Biscuit Beetle (Stegobium paniceum) is a small beetle (2 - 3mm) in length. It is reddish-brown in colouration. It is extremely
difficult to distinguish between biscuit beetles and woodworm, so correct identification is fundamental to treatment of any
suspected biscuit beetle infestations.
The biscuit beetle is similar to the cigarette beetle and the furniture beetle in appearance but is slightly larger, more elongate,
and has distinctly striated wing covers. The head is deflexed, but does not result in a distinct humpbacked appearance, and
the antennae have three enlarged segments at the tip.
Biscuit Beetles infest almonds, peanuts, paprika, red pepper, alfalfa meal, cornmeal, flour, wheat, wheat bran, wheat germ, dry
dog and cat food, bread, birdseed, beans, coffee beans, fish meal, spaghetti, instant chocolate, powdered milk, books,
manuscripts, dried flowers, certain fillers and fabric coverings of furniture, leather, museum specimens, and other foodstuffs.
Biology
Female biscuit beetles lay eggs singly in foodstuffs. The larval period ranges from 4 to 5 months, with the pupal stage lasting from
12 to 18 days. Larvae form a little round ball or cell which becomes its cocoon, and in which it pupates. The complete life cycle
requires up to 7 months. In cool climates, there is one generation per year.
Distribution
World-wide distribution with a preference for temperate climates. Cosmopolitan in choice of habitat, infesting all manner of
commodities in both commercial and domestic food stores.
Significance
The ability to fly and omnivorous nature make this species a significant commercial and domestic pest.
Control
Careful hygiene and stock rotation are important in preventing the compacted foodstuffs that biscuit beetle prefer. Infested
materials should be disposed of, and hygiene improved. In severe infestations, fumigation of infested foodstuffs will control
all stages of the life-cycle, and arrest the infestation. Monitoring strategies may be used to increase control efficiency.
