Stegobium paniceum (drugstore beetle)

Sanitation is the most important control practice for stored product pests. This includes preventing or cleaning up any spills. Cleaning of handling or processing equipment and storage areas is very important.

Moisture content of the bulk commodity can have a significant effect on S. paniceum populations. Generally, moisture contents should be less than 12.5% if possible.Packaging material and structure is also important in preventing infestation of finished food products. The structure of a package should minimize the number and size of crevices, gaps or openings through which S. paniceum may enter. In addition, some packaging materials are more resistant to active penetration than others (see Highland, 1984).

The use of traps for removal of pest populations is effective, although the efficacy of this method depends on the trap used and conditions in the storage facility. Electrocutor ultraviolet-light traps have been used to remove insects (including S. paniceum) in warehouse and processing facilities. Caution should be used when using these traps however. First, the electrocution of the insect causes them to explode, generating insect fragments that can cause contamination of food material. Secondly, such traps should be cleaned frequently as dead insects act as a food source for dermestids and other insects which may spread to the commodity.Economic thresholds are not established for S. paniceum but, in general, the tolerance for S. paniceum should be very low for high-value items such as spices or processed food. If chemical control is required, fumigants are the main type used as they may be used at most stages of the storage, processing and packaging process. Protectants may be used directly on the bulk commodity but use will depend on type of chemical, end use of the commodity and clearance time of the chemical. Protectants are not an option once processing of the food has begun. Protectants may be used in sanitation to provide clean-up and a chemical barrier in storage areas.