{"id":3955,"date":"2010-12-23T09:42:48","date_gmt":"2010-12-23T14:42:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/"},"modified":"2023-01-24T16:29:26","modified_gmt":"2023-01-24T21:29:26","slug":"5021e","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/ipddl\/publications\/5021e\/","title":{"rendered":"Flour Beetles"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n \n \"Print\n <\/a>\n <\/div><\/h3>\n

Pest Management Fact Sheet #5021<\/h3>\n

James F. Dill, Pest Management Specialist
\nClay A. Kirby, Insect Diagnostician<\/em><\/p>\n

For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit extension.umaine.edu<\/a>.
\nFind more of our publications and books at extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/<\/a>.<\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Description & Biology<\/h3>\n

Common flour beetles found in Maine include the confused flour beetle<\/strong> and the red flour beetle<\/strong>. They are similar in habits and appearance. Both beetles primarily infest flour and, to a small extent, foods made of processed grains. Confused flour beetles and red flour beetles are often found together. Even though they cannot attack whole grains, there are usually enough broken kernels and grain dust present (caused by the rubbing of grain during handling) for these beetles to survive. Any home can be invaded by these beetles through the transportation and storage of grains or grain products such as cereals, pasta, flour, etc.<\/p>\n

Flour beetles are not known to carry or spread any diseases that affect humans. Nor do they attack anything other than grain or starch foods. However, in search of their favorite foods, they may become an annoyance, invading any and all areas of a home.<\/p>\n

The beetles (adults) are shiny, flattened, reddish brown insects about 1\/7″ long, and very active. The larvae are brownish to yellowish white, worm-like insects with three pairs of legs. They are about 1\/16″ when fully grown.<\/p>\n\n\t\t