Scientific name: Oryzaephilus surinamensis Family: Silvanidae Order: Coleoptera Risk level: High Category: Beetle
? What is the sawtoothed grain beetle
Scientific name: Oryzaephilus surinamensis
Family: Silvanidae
Order: Coleoptera
Risk level: High
Category: Beetle
The sawtoothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis) has six saw-like projections on each side of its thorax, which give it its name. It is very small (2.5–3.5 mm) and can readily enter cracks and poorly sealed packages.
Life cycle of the sawtoothed grain beetle
It undergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid directly on food, and the larva is the damaging stage. A full generation takes 4–8 weeks. Multiple generations may breed in an infested warehouse.
Distribution of the sawtoothed grain beetle
It occurs in food warehouses worldwide and is common in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, especially in hot warehouses.
Damage and risks associated with the sawtoothed grain beetle
It contaminates various dry foods with droppings and shed skins. It does not reproduce in intact grain.
Signs of a sawtoothed grain beetle infestation
Signs include adult insects around light sources; larvae and silken threads in food (moths); droppings and hollow grains caused by weevils and beetles; and small white eggs on food.
Where sawtoothed grain beetles are found
They infest processed dry foods, including broken grains, biscuits, oats, dried coconut, dried fruit and spices.
Sawtoothed grain beetle control methods
Monitor with pheromone traps. Spray the warehouse with pyrethroids. Fumigate stored products with phosphine or methyl bromide. For physical control, lower the temperature below 10°C or raise it above 55°C. Rotate stock using FIFO.
Sawtoothed grain beetle control products
Pyrethroids for warehouses, phosphine (PH₃) for fumigation, deltamethrin for residual spraying and diatomaceous earth for grain.
Requirements for controlling sawtoothed grain beetles in food facilities
FSSC 22000 Version 7: stored-product pests are high priority. Pheromone traps with weekly documentation are mandatory. BRCGS: stored-product pests in a product constitute a major Non-Conformance.
A fact about the sawtoothed grain beetle
The sawtoothed grain beetle is among the most heat-tolerant stored-product beetles. It can live and reproduce at 21–35°C, making it one of the most difficult species to control in hot climates such as the Gulf.
Frequently asked questions about the sawtoothed grain beetle
Q: How do stored-product pests enter a facility?
A: Usually through incoming shipments. Carefully inspect samples from each shipment and quarantine new purchases.
Q: Is a low temperature enough to eliminate stored-product pests?
A: Yes. Temperatures below 10°C for two weeks stop reproduction and kill vulnerable stages. Temperatures below −18°C for three days kill all stages
