COMMON TYPES: Sawtoothed grain beetles, drugstore beetles, cigarette beetles, and other product-infesting insects
APPEARANCE: Small insects or larvae found within packaged products; visible contamination may be apparent
SIZE: Typically 2mm to 6mm depending on species
COLOUR: Brown, reddish-brown, or tan coloring depending on pest species
NESTING AREAS: Packaged foods, dry goods, spices, grains, dried fruits, chocolate products, and retail merchandise
ACTIVITY: Mostly hidden within products and packaging; damage becomes visible during quality inspections
LIFECYCLE: Egg → larva (feeding stage) → pupa → adult
REPRODUCTION: Eggs laid directly on products; rapid reproduction within warehouse and retail environments
PRIMARY RISKS: Product contamination, inventory loss, brand damage, and customer health concerns