Moving into a new home should be an exciting time of new beginnings and fresh starts, not a time to deal with a pest infestation. When you move into a newly constructed home, the last thing you expect is for pests to be your first house guests. If you’re noticing an influx of tiny insects after moving into a new construction or after remodeling your home, you’re not alone. These tiny creatures you’re seeing are likely foreign grain beetles, which are notoriously called “new house beetles.” Read on to learn more about these pesky visitors:

What do foreign grain beetles look like?

Foreign grain beetles are very small insects. Often compared to the size of a gnat or flea, they measure between two and three millimeters. They have flat, oval-shaped bodies and are reddish-brown in color. Foreign grain beetles have three body segments, and their antennae have a thicker, club-like appearance. 

How do foreign grain beetles behave?

You’ll rarely see just one foreign grain beetle, as these insects are usually found in large groups. They have fairly short life cycles, but they reproduce rapidly. That’s why an infestation can quickly get out of hand if not treated promptly. Foreign grain beetles are a common problem during the summer when there’s high humidity and into the fall when they seek shelter to overwinter.

Why are they called “new house beetles?”

Foreign grain beetles are commonly called “new house beetles” because most homeowners experience them after they’ve moved into a newly built or remodeled home. They don’t commonly feed on grain, as their name suggests, but more often on mold and fungus. Building materials, such as lumber, can become moist for a plethora of reasons, including rainy conditions during construction. Plaster, while not directly affected by rain, is wet when applied and takes time to dry, which can cause moist conditions in new homes. Foreign grain beetles are found in places where there’s high moisture because that’s where fungus and mold, their primary food sources, thrive.

Where are they found inside people’s homes?

Foreign grain beetles are found anywhere with high moisture levels. They’re most commonly found in wall voids where plaster is drying, basements and crawl spaces, and around plumbing and pipes. If mold or fungus is growing, that’s where these beetles will be. They’re what’s known as secondary pests, meaning that they can infest people’s food, but generally do so indirectly, since they don’t tend to feed on it. They can be found in pantries, not because they’re attracted to the food, but because there’s some source of moisture, whether from improperly stored food or an underlying structural reason.

Do they cause harm to people’s homes or families?

Foreign grain beetles are generally considered to be nuisance pests because they don’t bite, sting or cause structural damage. They can, however, carry diseases, like Salmonella. Since their primary food source is mold and fungus (and not human food), the first concern isn’t that they will contaminate food in people’s homes, but it is possible. Usually, the main concern when you see foreign grain beetles isn’t that your food is contaminated; it’s that your home has a moisture problem, which can lead to other significant problems and other types of pest infestations.

How can you get rid of foreign grain beetles? 

When it comes to getting rid of foreign grain beetles, the main goal is to reduce moisture in your home. If you’re experiencing an infestation of these beetles as a result of moving into a new construction, the infestation can sometimes go away on its own as damp building materials dry. However, this process can take a long time, and it’s not a guarantee that they will leave. It’s never a good idea to leave a pest infestation unchecked. Since foreign grain beetles reproduce rapidly, calling the professionals for help is key to controlling the problem before it gets out of control.

If you’ve just moved into a new home or recently remodeled and are noticing foreign grain beetles have also moved in, don’t hesitate to reach out to the expert Omaha pest control team here at Pro-Staff! Call us at (402) 819-7378 or contact us online for a free quote.