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 of Red Flour Beetles
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 of Red Flour Beetles
Sighting of small tubular beetles near stored products or in the product can indicate activity.
Tips for Prevention of Red Flour Beetles
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 Pest & Termite Control News
Common Pest Activity in South Florida in the Fall
Sep 19, 2022—Pest Control, Tips & Control Advice
As inviting as South Florida is, with its sunny, tropical environment, luscious landscapes, and miles of beaches to enjoy, there are downsides to paradise, such as the humidity and pest activity that continues to pester homeowners into the fall and winter. In many parts of the country, common...
Read More ›
Tiny Ants Invaded Your House? Here\'s What You Can Do!
Sep 08, 2022—Ants
Tiny black ants are known to invade kitchens and bathrooms, especially in South Florida. In this post, we review how these tiny ants enter the home and what steps you can take to prevent them and stop their invasion in its tracks. Got tiny ants in your house? The few you see walking across your...
Read More ›
7 Ways to Prevent Ants From Taking Over Your Kitchen This Summer
Jul 28, 2022—Ants, Pest Control
Ants are a common problem for homeowners in South Florida and once they establish themselves in your home, they can be hard to evict. Most ants that you see foraging in your kitchen or bathroom are usually nuisance ants such as ghost ants, commonly referred to as sugar ants, that are looking for...
Read More ›
