There are a few ways to do this. Firstly be on the lookout for them when buying food since they often work their way into packages prior to you buying them – so avoid purchasing food packages with rips in them.
When you have your food at home, place them into sealable plastic or glass containers instead of their original packaging which is more likely to have or attract drugstore beetles since they are easier to get into. Rubbermaid's whole-kitchen storage collection is a top-selling option. A.H David comments, 'This strategy serves two purposes: it prevents beetles from getting in, and if any food is already infested, it confines the problem to that single container, making it easier to control.'
Fill in cracks that may be a good hiding spots in cabinets and pantries. This can be done using the Loctite Tite Foam Gaps & Cracks Spray Foam Sealant from Amazon.
Avoid leaving food open and forgotten about. This may mean avoiding bulk buying loads of food that will sit around for a while or simply organizing your pantry to keep tabs on what could attract drugstore beetles. Keep your pantries and food cupboards clean. This means wiping up any messes as soon as they happen and not letting crumbs get into the cracks.
Avoid storing food in warm areas since they will be the perfect home to attract these beetles. 'Drugstore beetles thrive in warm and humid conditions. Maintaining a cooler, drier environment in your storage areas can discourage their presence. Consider using dehumidifiers to lower humidity levels and store dried goods in airtight containers to prevent infestations,' suggests Zahid Adnan, founder of The Plant Bible.
You may want to consider natural repellents to keep drugstore beetles away in the future: 'These can include cedar blocks, bay leaves, or dried citrus peels placed in the storage areas. While these natural remedies may not completely eradicate an infestation, they can help discourage the beetles from settling in your pantry,' continues Zahid Adnan