Biscuit beetle infestations are a common occurrence in home pantries. As their name suggests, these beetles are attracted to biscuits, crackers and other dry foods thanks to their high starch content. While they may not look it, biscuit beetles are actually small insects that measure less than an inch when fully grown. Their small size makes them hard to spot, which means an infestation can spread quickly if you don’t take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. There are several different types of biscuit beetles; however, they all have one thing in common: the ability to wreak havoc on homes that stock large quantities of biscuits or crackers. If you’re wondering where do biscuit beetles come from? Let’s find out…
Where Do Biscuit Beetles Come From?
Biscuit beetles, as their name suggests, originated in China and Southeast Asia. They’re a common pest in mills and grain stores. Their larvae feed on products that contain high levels of starch, so this makes them a pest in several industries, including the food and beverage industry.
They can also be found in homes that store a lot of dry foods. Biscuit beetles thrive in warm, humid environments.
That’s why they’re so common in areas with a high humidity level. They can also be found in lofts and basements. These are areas that are rarely cleaned, so they make the perfect environment for biscuit beetles to thrive.
Why Are There Biscuit Beetle Infestations?
Biscuit beetles lay their eggs inside the food products we consume. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the food, causing it to go stale much faster. This is how a biscuit beetle infestation occurs. Any food that contains high levels of starch is a suitable breeding ground for biscuit beetles.
That includes crackers, biscuits, cookies, pasta, rice, and even cornmeal and flour. Biscuit beetles thrive in warm and humid environments.
That’s why they’re so common in tropical climates. They also thrive in lofts and basements, which are areas that are rarely cleaned. This makes the perfect environment for biscuit beetles to live and breed.
Preventing A Biscuit Beetle Infestation
The best way to prevent a biscuit beetle infestation is to make sure you regularly clean your pantry. You should also make sure you don’t keep any foods in their packaging after they’ve been opened. If you don’t consume the food in a week, it should be thrown away so it doesn’t attract biscuit beetles.
Many homeowners have found success by using an electric insect killer. Although electric insect killers aren’t as effective as they used to be, they’re still a great option. The best time of the year to keep your home free from biscuit beetles is during autumn.
This is when the insects go into hibernation. If you keep your home clean during this time, you won’t have to worry about an infestation rearing its ugly head in the winter months.
Identifying A Biscuit Beetle Infestation
If you suspect you have a biscuit beetle infestation, there are a few tell-tale signs that it’s time to act. The most obvious sign of a biscuit beetle infestation is finding the insects themselves. You may spot a biscuit beetle walking along the floor or hiding behind a pot or pan.
If your home has been affected by a biscuit beetle infestation, you may notice some physical changes to your food. You may notice your cookies have gone stale, or your pasta has broken down to a mushy substance. Biscuit beetle infestations cause a lot of damage.
They can also cause your food to go stale much faster. That’s why it’s so important to get rid of biscuit beetles as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Biscuit beetles can be incredibly hard to get rid of, which is why it’s important to prevent an infestation from occurring in the first place. You can do this by keeping your pantry clean. Make sure you regularly throw out any food that is past its expiration date.
You should also make sure you don’t leave any food out. If you need to leave food out, make sure you keep it in its packaging. If you spot a biscuit beetle in your home, act quickly. These insects cause a lot of damage and can reproduce quickly if left unchecked.
If you notice any changes to your food, make sure you act quickly. Biscuit beetles reproduce quickly, so you have to be just as swift to get rid of them before they cause too much damage!
