Abstract Oryzaephilus surinamensis and Cryptolestes ferrugineus are serious secondary pests that infest commodities and packaged food. Both species differ in their climbing ability on smooth surfaces, such as the surfaces of packages or grains. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that tarsal and inter-claw adhesive structures of the species differ significantly. To test this hypothesis, we morphologically described and compared (quantitatively and qualitatively) the claws and setal structures on the tarsi and claws of O. surinamensis and C. ferrugineus using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The main difference found was in the presence and/or quantity of tarsal and inter-claw adhesive structures between O. surinamensis and C. ferrugineus. The profound morphological differences regarding the presence and higher quantity of adhesive structures can explain why O. surinamensis is a better climber than C. ferrugineus on inclined smooth surfaces. The shape of the claws was similar in both species, but those of C. ferrugineus were slightly shorter and sharper (i.e., claw tip radius = 1.17 μm) than those of O. surinamensis (tip radius = 1.63 μm), indicating that C. ferrugineus is better morphologically adapted to move over rough material with smaller asperities. The obtained results suggest that the presence or absence of adhesive tarsal structures can be used for assessment of the ability of various pests to move on smooth surfaces of packaging or grains. The outcomes of the work may also provide inspiration to material and biomimetic scientists to improve pest-proof packaging material with anti-adhesive properties.