Pheromone Drugstore Beetle (Stegobium paniceum)

The species-specific pheromone is located in a plastic pheromone dispenser which is inserted into insect monitors in combination with adhesive surfaces.

As soon as the round plastic pheromone dispenser is removed from the aluminium packaging, it is activated and the pheromone gradually diffuses out of the round white to light yellow polyethylene fibres evenly (retard effect) over a period of up to 4-6 weeks.

Since pheromones are volatile substances, the dispenser must not be split up or an attempt made to distribute the pheromone from one dispenser to other monitors. The retard effect is lost and the pheromone's attracting effect lasts too short.

Please note: This product is only a plastic dispenser enriched with pheromones - without adhesive surface and without trap. To catch and hold insects, the dispenser must be placed in an insect monitor trap (e.g. AF Demi Diamond Insect Monitor) together with a neutral adhesive surface (e.g. AF Demi Diamond Adhesive Surfaces - neutral). These associated products are listed below.

Shelf life (unopened / unactivated): 12 months
Catch duration (open / activated): 4-6 weeks
Place a pheromone trap every 10 meters.

Price per pack of 1 dispenser
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INTERESTING FACTS

Our pheromone monitoring trap system for Drugstore Beetles (Pheromone 100609-KG + Monitor 110168-KG + neutral adhesive surfaces 110169-KG) is specifically designed to attract flying adult beetles. However, larvae do not respond to these pheromones, as they are primarily intended for mating attraction.

For monitoring or controlling larvae, neutral adhesive traps (e.g., LUREKING LOWLINE 110705-K) can be used as a supplementary measure. However, larvae only enter these traps randomly, so any captures are purely incidental.

Female Drugstore Beetles prefer to lay their tiny eggs near food sources for the larvae. These can include textiles containing starchy materials, such as historical fabrics or old clothing that has been treated with chemicals (e.g., starch).

In some cases, Drugstore Beetles can also be found in paper collections or old starchy printed materials, such as books and manuscripts, although they are less typical pests for this compared to other pests like the paper beetle.

After a few days to weeks, the larvae hatch. They are the primary pests, as they cause significant damage to textiles, museum collections, and food supplies.

Effective control relies on targeted cleaning of affected areas—especially cracks, crevices, and dark spots. Regular vacuuming, wiping, and removing infested objects help limit the infestation. It is also important to capture the adult beetles, as they lay eggs, continuing the cycle and spreading the infestation.

In cases of severe infestation, the use of a UV-LED insect trap (e.g., CHAMELEON® QUALIS – Art. 125474-KG) can be helpful, as adult beetles are strongly attracted to UV light and can be effectively captured this way.