The Red Flour Beetle
By: Schuyler Smith
6/14/2023 Newsletter - When it comes to insects in your food, the Red Flour Beetle (Tribolium castaneum) is one of the more notorious stored product invaders. This small, reddish-brown beetle has plagued homes and food manufacturing/storage facilities for centuries, causing damage to grains, cereals, and other stored food products.
Red Flour Beetles are small insects, measuring around 1/8-3/16 inch in length. Its reddish-brown coloration distinguishes it from other similar species. The beetle possesses a flattened body, allowing it to easily navigate into the tiniest cracks and crevices where it finds refuge. Although they are capable of limited flight, these beetles prefer to crawl in search of dark, warm environments.
Understanding the lifecycle of the Red Flour Beetle is necessary for effective pest management. It undergoes complete metamorphosis, consisting of four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female beetles lay eggs on suitable food sources and within a few days, small white larvae will emerge. These larvae will then feed on flour, grains, and other various food products for several weeks before pupating. The pupal stage lasts for around one to two weeks before adult beetles emerge.
Red Flour Beetles have a broad diet, feeding on a wide range of stored food items, including flour, cereal, rice, spices, and pet food. They are particularly attracted to damaged or broken packaging, enabling them to enter and infest new food sources. These pests are resilient and can survive in adverse conditions, such as low humidity and temperatures. Their ability to reproduce rapidly further contributes to the severity of infestations.
Preventing an infestation of Red Flour Beetles requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some important prevention and control methods:
1. Regular inspection: Routinely check food storage areas for signs of infestation, including damaged packaging, insect trails, or beetles themselves.
2. Cleaning and sanitation: Keep storage areas clean and free of food debris to eliminate potential food sources and hiding places.
3. Temperature and humidity control: Red Flour Beetles thrive in warm and humid environments, so maintaining cool, dry conditions can help deter their presence.
Bonus fun fact: Did you know that these beetles can actually “drink” with their butts? Thanks to cells located between the kidneys and circulatory system, they can pump salt into the kidneys to draw moisture from humid air through their rectums!