Habitat

Originating from Tasmania, this species now has full distribution thought temperate zones of the world, although it favours the indoor environment. Associated with bird's nests and stored foodstuffs, it is also present in many industrial food storage situations.

Biology

Complete metamorphosis life cycle. Eggs are laid within food substrate. Pupation tends to occur at the edges of the substrate, adjacent to hard surfaces. Only a small proportion of adults are capable of flight. Adults are extremely cold hardy, but free water is essential to them. Average longevity is 12 months. They are nocturnal in foraging behaviour.

Ptinus tectus

Insecta     Coleoptera    Ptinidae

Image Copyright - Aventis Environmental Science 1964. Reproduced with kind permission of Aventis Environmental Science.

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Pest Status

A widespread pest in the food industry, larvae can bore through many types of packaging. Adults are responsible for cross contamination of stored food and other produce. May attack fabrics and textiles.

Control

The source of infestation should be traced and eliminated. Old bird's nests should be removed and destroyed. Good Hygiene practices, stock rotation, quarantine of inbound stock and monitoring should be considered. Fumigation, residual spraying, dusting and temperature / atmospheric control may be applicable.