Confused Flour Beetle

A common household insect pest was brought into our office for identification last week. The confused flour beetle and the closely related red flour beetle are native to Africa or the Indo-Australian regions of the world but have a worldwide distribution. These insects originate from infested grain or dry, stored food products, particularly cereal products such as flour, cake mix, cornmeal, crackers, and dry pet food. Other frequently infested items are chocolate, nuts, and seeds (such as birdseed). Both adults and small, off-white larvae can be in infested food items. The adult beetles often wander away from the infested material and will be found inside cupboards or anywhere in the house. Adults are 1/8 of an inch long and can live for up to three years.

Control of any stored food pest requires locating and eliminating infested items. The insects may be in unopened boxes or containers. Infested items should be thrown away or could be salvaged by freezing for one week or heating in a 140-degree oven for 15 minutes. Be sure to empty and thoroughly vacuum all shelves to remove any adult beetles. Insecticide sprays are not recommended for controlling insects in stored food cupboards. Washing shelves with detergent, bleach, ammonia or disinfectants will not affect insect pests. As a precaution against reinfestation, you may want to store susceptible foods in sealable glass, metal, or heavy plastic containers or in the refrigerator or freezer until you know the infestation is gone.

Have questions? Contact our office where our Horticulture Extension Agent will assist you with questions.

Phone: (316) 321-9660

Email: callae@ksu.edu