Red Flour Beetle

The red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) is a common pest found infesting food in warehouses, grocery stores and homes in the US. It is very similar in appearance and habits to the confused flour beetle but is more common in the southern states. Unlike the granary weevil that only infests whole grain, the red flour beetle is more of a general feeder. It will feed upon processed foods like flour, spices, shelled nuts, and dried fruits. Adult flour beetles are small, (1/8 inch long, reddish-brown) insects with distinct antennae that end in an abrupt three-segmented club. Full-grown larvae are segmented, yellowish white, and about the same size as the adults. These larvae are easily identified from others that infest food by a dark, two-pointed modification of the last body segment. If you suspect you have an infestation of flour beetles or other stored food insects, contact us @ 1-800-525-8084 for inspection, consultation, and treatment of your home.