The drugstore beetle (Stegobium paniceum) earns its unusual name from its habit of infesting pharmacies — it can chew through prescription drug packaging and consume medications, including strychnine and belladonna, that would kill most insects. In Arizona homes, it infests an extraordinarily wide range of products: spices, dried herbs, flour, cereals, dried fruit, pet food, leather, books, and even wood. Adults are small (2–3.5mm), oval, and reddish-brown with a humped appearance. They can fly, which helps them spread through a home quickly. The larval stage causes the most damage, boring into food products and leaving behind frass and shed skins.

Eliminating drugstore beetles from an Arizona home requires inspecting not just the pantry but also spice racks, pet food storage, bookshelves, and any area where dried organic material is stored. Discard all infested products and vacuum thoroughly. Because drugstore beetles infest such a wide variety of materials, the source of an infestation can be difficult to locate — common overlooked sources include old spice jars, dried flower arrangements, bird seed, and forgotten food items in the back of cabinets. Store all susceptible items in airtight containers. Pheromone traps are available for drugstore beetles and are useful for monitoring.

Drugstore beetles are active year-round in Arizona's warm climate and are most commonly found in kitchens, pantries, and storage areas. Adults are attracted to light and are often first noticed flying near windows or light fixtures. If you find drugstore beetles in multiple locations throughout your home, a professional inspection is recommended to identify all harborage sites. Pest Control Bros LLC provides stored-product pest inspections and treatment throughout Maricopa, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, and Casa Grande. Call (520) 424-5244 for a free inspection.