Beetles can be found almost anywhere, for their tough elytra give them added protection and allow them to occupy places which are denied to other winged insects. Many of them live in the soil and under stones but also often occur in houses, bakeries, grain stores and warehouses - anywhere that food is stored, especially dried food stuffs such as grain, cereals, flour and nuts.
Many have a remarkable metabolism which enables them to survive without free water, and it is this ability which has led to the establishment of grain weevils, carpet beetles, and other species as pests in food stores and domestic premises.