Identify the specific pantry pest for targeted response

What to Do

Capture a specimen and identify whether you're dealing with Indian meal moths (small tan/copper moths, webbing in food), flour beetles (tiny reddish-brown beetles in flour and grain), weevils (beetles with a snout, found inside whole grains), or drugstore beetles (round brown beetles in spices and dried herbs). University extension websites have photo guides.

Why It Works

Different pests have different food preferences and life cycles. Knowing the species tells you where to focus your search — moths prefer cereals and dried fruit, weevils target whole grains, and drugstore beetles attack spices and even medications.

Tips

• Indian meal moths are the most common pantry pest in North America
• If you see tiny beetles in spices, check all dried herbs, tea bags, and even vitamin bottles
• Post a photo on r/whatsthisbug or your local extension service for free identification