|
The red and confused flour beetles
are nearly identical in biology and habits except that the red flour
beetle flies and the confused flour beetle does not. The threat of the
red flour beetle invading from an outside food source, such as grain
spillage, must therefore be considered.
Red and confused flour beetles are
capable of breeding year-round in heated buildings. The red flour
beetle is found more often in southern, warmer states and the confused
flour beetle is seen in northern areas. Either species, however, could
be encountered anywhere. These flour beetles are also known as "bran
bugs," being very significant pests of flour and flour by-products.
Female beetles deposit eggs in twos
or threes within the food material until eventually 300 to 400 eggs
are laid. The larvae hatch from these eggs in about nine days and go
through from 5 to 18 molts. The life cycle from egg to adult may take
7 weeks to 3 months depending on temperature and humidity conditions
as well as quality of the food source. The adult beetles may live up
to three years or longer.
Flour beetles are scavengers in that
they cannot attack whole grains and must rely on other insects such as
rice weevils or lesser grain borers to damage the kernels first. These
beetles are most common in processed grain products and their
flattened bodies permit them to work their way into almost any
package.
Flour and other processed food
products heavily infested by these beetles often develop a greyish
tint. This greying also promotes the growth of mold, which further
contaminates the food product. Additionally, secretions from the
beetles may add a disagreeable odour to the food product.
Advice for Rust Red Flour Beetle:
Use Fortefog Mini Fumers,
Protector C or
Agrodust.
|