Flour beetle

Flour Beetle

The Flour Beetle is a common type of beetle that is often found in flour and grain products. They belong to the family Tenebrionidae, which includes over 20,000 species worldwide. Flour beetles are considered pests in homes and businesses where food is stored, particularly in grain storage and processing facilities.

Biology

Flour beetles are small, typically measuring between 3 and 4 millimeters in length. They have a reddish-brown color and a shiny, smooth body. The beetles have a life cycle that includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The entire life cycle can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days, depending on the environmental conditions.

Behavior

Flour beetles are attracted to grain and flour products, where they lay their eggs. The larvae feed on the grain or flour, causing damage to the product. Adult beetles can live for up to a year, during which time they can lay hundreds of eggs.

Control

Control of flour beetles involves a combination of sanitation, exclusion, and, if necessary, insecticides. Sanitation involves cleaning up spilled grain or flour and storing these products in sealed containers. Exclusion involves sealing cracks and crevices where beetles can enter buildings. Insecticides may be used in severe infestations, but should be applied by a professional pest control operator.

Impact

Flour beetles can cause significant economic damage in grain storage and processing facilities. They can also be a nuisance in homes, where they can infest stored food products. In addition to the direct damage they cause by feeding, flour beetles can also contaminate food with their feces and shed skins.

See also

• Grain Beetle
• Pantry pests
• Stored product pests

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