Red Flour Beetles in Anaheim
There are several types of flour beetles in the United States, though the most economically significant are red flour beetles and confused flour beetles. Both species are known for attacking stored food products such as flour, pasta, cereals, and spices. Less commonly, they may also infest dried flowers or museum specimens. Though red flour beetles are drawn to warmer environments, they can survive in most climate-controlled indoor spaces. By flying short distances, they can quickly spread throughout a food warehouse or grocery store.
Red Flour Beetle Habitat
If they are in a heated building, red flour beetles can breed all year long – including through the winter. Since these pests cannot feed on undamaged, uncracked grain kernels, they usually congregate near finely powdered grains or where food items have spilled. They’ve been known to consume a wide range of products including cake mix, crackers, chocolate, seeds, and dried pet food. Adult red flour beetles may also fly to other areas of your kitchen or pantry, living in small cracks or crevices nearby.
Red Flour Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Red flour beetles do not bite or sting, but they can trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals. Though these beetles don’t spread disease, their dead bodies and fecal matter can produce a foul smell and contaminate your food. If you notice beetles crawling or flying around the home or have a lot of “leaky” packages with holes in your pantry, you may be dealing with an infestation. Nobody wants bugs in their food – if you’re struggling with these pests and want peace of mind, contact your local pantry pest control experts.
