The foreign grain beetle, Ahasverus advena (Waltl.) is a nuisance, fungus feeder insect that is found in newly built construction with moist and decaying lumbers. It is also found in older buildings with molds, decayed organic matters or rotten stored products. This pest is a potential reservoir of pathogenic organisms i.e., Salmonella and it may generates concerns with auditors in food plants. Recently, we encountered these beetles in different occasions infesting surgical/ operation rooms. Adult is reddish-brown in color, about 1/12- inch long, has a 3-sigmented antennal club and a tiny bump on each of the front corner of the thorax.
Biology
Foreign grain beetles are tropical, flying and light-attracted insects that are mostly encountered indoor during the late summer. Life cycle lasts two to four weeks depending on the temperature and relative humidity (RH) conditions. No reproduction occurs at temperatures ≤59°F nor at ≤65% RH with temperatures <77°F. At 80-90°F, eggs hatch in four to five days. Larval stage lasts about 15 days and pupa stage lasts four to seven days. Adults live up to 250 days.
Management
A successful management plan begins with eliminating moisture problems that promote fungal/mold growth, which this pest strives on; therefore, clients should remove moisture sources and improve air circulation systems in the infested areas. Strive the beetles out by removingall decaying and greasy matters from drains, equipment legs, motor housings, electric conduits, bins and wherever located. Exclude new introduced beetles by screening doors, window, and entry points and keeping them closed and well sealed. Where applicable, and at temperatures above 59°F, using insect light traps help in monitoring the flying adult numbers and pinpointing the infested hot spots. Insecticide treatments are not a decisive solution as newly emerging adults keep coming from remote voids raising the need for frequent treatments. Before treatment, try to locate breeding sources especially in damp and moist areas. Use properly labeled EPA residual insecticides as cracks, crevices, voids and spot treatments. Dust formulations are preferred for crack, crevice and void applications; however, approved aerosol insecticides with proper tips are applicable for these treatments. Inaccessible infested voids are subject to wood replacement or drilling. Apply a residual liquid insecticide as a spot treatment around light fixtures, attics, crawlspaces, vent openings, around ceiling fans and where insects are mostly seen. Spot treatments with residual dust formulation under the edges of all carpets and baseboards are recommended.
Precautionary Measures
During the treatment, no people, food, or pets should be present in the room to be treated. Fish tanks should be covered and the air shut off. Plants will not be affected.
Do not enter the treated room for four hours after the treatment. Do not reoccupy and/or use before 14 days.
Anyone with a respiratory condition should notify property manager and the Guardian Pest Control Service Specialist
Post Treatment Information
Adult beetles MAY continue to be seen after treatment until the wall voids are fully dried.
IF NEEDED, a follow up treatment should be conducted after 30-40 days from the initial treatment. Guardian Pest Control Specialist will coordinate with customers to allocate a proper time for doing this follow up.
The foreign grain beetle, Ahasverus advena (Waltl.) is a nuisance, fungus feeder insect that is found in newly built construction with moist and decaying lumbers. It is also found in older buildings with molds, decayed organic matters or rotten stored products. This pest is a potential reservoir of pathogenic organisms i.e., Salmonella and it may generates concerns with auditors in food plants. Recently, we encountered these beetles in different occasions infesting surgical/ operation rooms. Adult is reddish-brown in color, about 1/12- inch long, has a 3-sigmented antennal club and a tiny bump on each of the front corner of the thorax.