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Stegobium paniceum, commonly known as the drugstore beetle, holds the distinction of being the most omnivorous among storage pests. With a rust-brown coloration and a size reaching 3 mm, this species exhibits a unique profile. The female beetles lay approximately a hundred eggs, giving rise to adult insects over a span of two to three months. The larvae, in the form of white maggots, undergo pupation within an oval cocoon crafted from food particles. The mature beetles enjoy a lifespan of one to two months. Being recognized as omnivorous, the drugstore beetle exhibits a tendency to infest a diverse array of vegetable and animal products. Its appetite extends beyond bakery items, encompassing soup cubes, chocolate, animal feed, and dried fish. Occasionally, it even demonstrates a preference for savory biscuits and may develop an affinity for chili powder. Detecting their presence is often indicated by pinhead holes in the affected items. Additionally, the beetle is known to target packaging materials like paper and cardboard. Given its proficient flying capabilities, pinpointing the source of infestation can prove challenging. Due to its substantial size ranging from 12 to 18 mm, the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) is easily noticeable as it crawls through snow-white flour. The newly hatched beetle initially appears brown but transforms into a black specimen with light stripes on its wing cases. Females of this species deposit between 150 to 200 adhesive eggs within the food. The hatched larvae, known as familiar mealworms, can reach a length of up to 28 mm. The transformation from mealworms to beetles may span a year and a half, making significant infestations fortunately infrequent. Adult beetles enjoy a lifespan of approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Drugstore beetles and mealworms exhibit a penchant for not only consuming various pastry and bakery items but also contaminating them. Their presence can result in the spoilage of these products, causing the flour to become lumpy and emit a moldy odor. These pests particularly favor remnants of wheat and discarded flour. Mealworms, in addition to their impact on baked goods, are capable of creating holes in planks and beams. Moreover, they pose a threat by potentially transmitting parasite worms, contributing to the spread of infections. Preventive measures and management strategies Maintain food in a cool and dry environment. Promptly discard infested foods, and for those appearing unaffected, store them in a deep freezer for three days. Thoroughly vacuum storage cupboards, paying special attention to cracks and crevices. Store new supplies in tightly sealed containers such as jars or boxes. Adhere to the fundamental rule: refrain from using insecticides in storage cupboards, especially when food items are still present. Utilize insecticides such as Herbal Nimboli Beetle Killer Spray The key to any control program Call Herbal Pest Control Nashik Mobile No. 9420002022 Use H P C developed Herbal Nimboli Beetle Killer Spray.
