Red Flour Beetle Tribolium castaneum
Color: Reddish-brown
Size: 1/8 inch
Legs: 6
Antennae: No
Shape: An elongated oval-shaped flattened body
Region: Southern regions of the United States
What Is a Red Flour Beetle?
The red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) is a tiny, reddish-brown insect that commonly feeds on stored food products like flour, cereals, dry pet food, and pasta.
The red flour beetle looks nearly identical to its close relative, the confused flour beetle, but there are a few key differences that help tell them apart.
One noticeable distinction is in their antennae. The red flour beetle’s antennae end in a three-segmented club, while the confused flour beetle’s antennae gradually thicken into a four-segmented club.
Another difference lies in the thorax. The red flour beetle has slightly curved sides, whereas the confused flour beetle’s thorax is straighter and more parallel.
Their behavior and habitat also differ. The red flour beetle is more common in warmer climates and can fly, whereas the confused flour beetle thrives in cooler regions and can’t fly.
Despite these differences, both species infest stored food products, like grain, and require the same prevention methods to keep them out.
The red flour beetle is a tiny, reddish-brown insect that grows to about 1/8 inch long—roughly the size of a grain of rice. Its elongated, oval-shaped flattened body allows it to slip into small cracks, crevices, and openings in food packaging with ease.
While the red flour beetle doesn’t sting or spread disease to humans, it can trigger an allergic response. In addition, this beetle is a major nuisance in homes, grocery stores, and grain storage facilities.
Red flour beetles contaminate grain by shedding their exoskeleton and leaving droppings which can lead to unpleasant odors and food/product spoilage. Found mainly in warmer climates, red flour beetles can live over three years, making them persistent pests.
The best way to keep red flour beetles out is by:
- Checking food for any leaks
- Maintaining a clean pantry
- Storing food in airtight, pest-proof containers made of glass, metal, or durable plastic.
- Consider storing newly purchased grains and flour in the freezer for a minimum of four to five days to effectively kill the beetle in the product
Getting rid of red flour beetles requires a combination of prevention, cleaning, and proper food storage. Follow these steps:
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Inspect all dry goods (flour, grains, cereals, pet food) for signs of an infestation:
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Foul odor
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Holes in unopened packages
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Grain with a gray tint
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Discard any contaminated items immediately
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Thoroughly clean your pantry:
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Vacuum shelves, cracks, and crevices
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Wipe all surfaces with soap and water
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If you’re experiencing a persistent infestation, it’s time to call a qualified pest control professional to help identify and solve the problem.
Of course, if you’re not interested in playing the role of entomologist and getting up close and personal with these insects, who can blame you! You can always call a pest control professional to help with the identification and treatment of these pantry pests.
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