Red Flour Beetles

Active Seasons

Appearance and Size Facts

Reddish-brown in color and have antennae that end in a three-segmented club
Flat and elongated bodies
Found in temperate areas, but will survive the colder months in protected places
In the United States, it is found in southern states
Size: Very small, roughly 1/8 inch long

Behavior and Habitat

Female beetles each lay 300 to 400 eggs in flour or other foods during a period of five to eight months. Within 5 to 12 days, these eggs hatch into slender larvae. The larval period varies from 22 to more than 100 days, and pupation takes about 8 days. Adults can live for 3 years or more. Adult Red Flour beetles are very active and can be found either on the surface or deep within the food material. They are scavengers and must rely on other insects to damage grain before they can feed on it. Because of their small size, they frequently invade storage containers. They breed in damaged grain, grain dust, high-moisture wheat kernels, flour, etc. They are prolific and quite damaging.

Signs of Infestation

Sighting of small tubular beetles near stored products or in the product can indicate activity.

Tips for Prevention

Discard any food that is infested. Vacuum the shelves of all pantries and cabinets where food is stored and store food in sealed containers. Most times, removing the source of the infestation is enough to manage the pest.

Red Flour Beetle Gallery

Latest News

Weather and its Impact on Pests

Jul 23, 2019—Insects, Pest Control

We know that weather and seasonal changes affect human behavior and outside activities, so it’s no big surprise that heat and cold, along with dry and wet conditions also affect pest populations. While seasonal changes can be subtle in the South Florida; these changes can send pests looking...