Below, discover how to identify and control small bugs in oatmeal (+ helpful images).
Little beetles in oatmeal: which beetle is that?
One of the most common pest problems in households is insect infestation of stored food. This includes things like flour, wheat, grains and other dry foods. A common term for the wide variety of insects that can attack dry goods is “storage pests.”
When these bugs leave contaminated food and wander around the apartment or house on their own, they are easy to spot in the pantry. They often collect on windowsills, windowsills or in plates, pots and pans. Storage pests contaminate more food than they consume. The easiest way to get rid of these insects is to throw away all contaminated food and thoroughly clean the cabinets and surfaces where the food was stored.
Kornkäfer (Sitophilus granarius)
This reddish-brown beetle has never been seen anywhere other than human food warehouses. It is a grain pest found in a variety of foods, including oats, rice, corn, dried pasta, and more. Its size is 4 – 5 mm and has a slim body.
Most grain pests are multipurpose pests, meaning they eat both human and animal foods. The grain beetle, on the other hand, has acquired a unique adaptation that at first glance seems to be a disadvantage: it cannot fly. A strong exoskeleton now surrounds him, consisting of united wings. However, this makes it quite difficult to get beyond his grain pile. Nevertheless, these pests have been around for thousands of years. He even managed to enter an Egyptian tomb and eat the grain intended for a pharaoh's afterlife.
The eggs can be laid on or in the grains, and the oats are the food source for the developing adults of these insects. The larvae eat the grain from the inside out, causing significant damage.Although the bugsis unsightly, it does not signal spoilage and is not harmful to humans. When consumed, the pests pose no health risk and do not spread disease.
Brotkäfer (Stegobium paniceum)
Oatmeal or cereal can also be affected by a number of beetle species, including the bread beetle. Infestations of these tiny, oval-shaped insects (2-3 mm in size) are common in places where food is stored. When infested, this beetle feeds on bread as well as dry foods such as oats. The larvae are particularly hungry and can contaminate and puncture food, causing significant damage.
Die Dörrobstmotte (Plodia interpunctella)
Oatmeal is one of the many foods thatfrom these mothscan be affected. Webs and larvae that they sometimes leave behind can be seen in the packaging. Therefore, do not leave oatmeal out in the open.
Cereal flat beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis)
The brown-colored beetle, which is up to 3 mm in size, is known as the grain flat beetle. Oatmeal and other grains are most commonly affected. They cause food to become mushy and lumpy because they can squeeze through even the smallest holes in the packaging.
Red-brown flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum)
The red flour beetle is only slightly smaller than the grain beetle. The infected food begins to smell. These beetles are not only annoying, but can also be harmful to humans due to the pollutants they transmit. Take precautions to prevent further infestations and dispose of items that are already infested.
Also interesting:Carpet beetles and their larvae: How to recognize an infestation early
What should you do if there is an infestation?
- Discard any food that appears to be infested.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to clean all the cracks and corners of your shelves and cabinets. This can be used to catch crawling insects and anything that has penetrated or spilled. To avoid re-infestation, always empty the vacuum cleaner or throw away the bag after use.
- Disinfectants, bleach, ammonia or detergents washed down the shelves won't prevent pantry pests from coming back, and the chemicals can be harmful if they get into the food.
- Store perishable foods in airtight containers made of metal, glass, or sturdy plastic, or place them in the refrigerator or freezer until you are sure the infestation is gone.
- Even if you have thrown away infested food, it is not uncommon to see the beetles for up to three weeks. On the other hand, if you still see moths or beetles three weeks later, that's a sign that you haven't found the contaminated food.
- Place older foods in the freezer at 0 degrees for at least four days if you are unsure whether they are infected. At these temperatures both the insects and their eggs perish.
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Also read:Pests in the Kitchen: The Most Common Types of Pests Invading Your Home and How to Get Rid of Them
Titlebild: D. Kucharski K. Kucharska/ Shutterstock
