General sanitation will be important for all stored product or food insects. Sweeping, vacuuming, trash disposal, sealing cracks and crevices will all reduce breeding habitat. Check ventilation systems for proper screening and inspect ductwork and around roof outlets for dust accumulation. Broken packaging and spillage under pallets invites problems. Larvae are small c-shaped grubs.
Adults can fly, and can penetrate most paper packaging, leaving cylindrical holes in packaging.
Infestations are associated with cigars, spices such as red and cayenne pepper, drugs, and cereal products. Adults are attracted to windows and other light sources. Adults cannot fly and infestations are often seen close to rice, whole grain corn, wheat, or in sunflower seeds. Their small 3.5mm size allows these reddish brown beetles to easily penetrate packaging, and to hide in cracks in shelving. High populations will discolor and alter the taste and baking quality of flour.