FOREIGN GRAIN BEETLE INFORMATION & FACTS

The foreign grain beetle, Ahasverus advena (Walt.), is a worldwide pest named for wreaking havoc in grain storage facilities. These pests gravitate to damp and moldy grains.

This pantry pest is a scavenger who feeds on grain, but also on animal (including dead insects) and plant debris, and the fungi which grow on them. This makes them a serious pest in homes and businesses with major moisture problems. They have been known to feed on mold in wet bathrooms.

Adult foreign grain beetles are between 1/16” to 1/8” long, with flattened, reddish-brown bodies. They are covered with short hairs. Their antennae have a three-segmented club and are less than half their body length. All 4 corners of their prothorax stick outward and have a round lobe at their tip. They have wings, which are covered with many rows of tiny punctures. Adult foreign grain beetles are strong flyers and are attracted to lights at night.

Image source: CSIRO

Female foreign grain beetles deposit they eggs on food material. Their life cycle can be as short as three weeks if the environment is warm and humid. 

Learn more about how to get rid of pantry pests.