Confused Flour Beetle

 

Confused Flour Beetle – Tribolium confusum

Confused Flour Beetle
can be found in:
Primarily Southern United States

Color: Reddish-brown
Legs: Six
Shape: Oval
Size: 1/8 inch
Antennae: yes
Flight: no

Confused flour beetles are the most abundant and injurious insect pest of flour mills in the United States.

Habits
The confused flour beetles may be present in large numbers in infested grain, but are unable to attack sound or undamaged grain (Walter). The adults are attracted to light, but will go towards cover when disturbed. Typically, these beetles can be found not only inside infested grain products, but in cracks and crevices where grain may have spilled. They are attracted to grain with high moisture content and can cause a grey tint to the grain they are infesting. The beetles give off a displeasing odor, and their presence encourages mold growth in grain.

Habitat
These beetles are very common pests infesting many flour mills, warehouses, and grocery stores. They also feed upon grain, beans, dried fruits, nuts, chocolate, and other foods in the house.

 

Threats
Flour beetles attack milled grain products such as flour and cereals. These beetles often hitchhike into the house in infested flour and can build up into large populations on food accumulations in cabinet cracks and crevices and in furniture.

Prevention
Control of these pests begins with the location of the infested food. A thorough clean up, using a vacuum cleaner to get into the cracks and crevices, will control this pest.