Confused Flour Beetles in Central Arkansas
Flour and grain-based products are susceptible to infestation by several beetle species, collectively known as flour beetles. Among them, the confused flour beetle and the red flour beetle stand out as significant economic threats. The confused flour beetle is prevalent in the northern United States, displaying a diet that includes both plant and animal matter. They are especially harmful pests in flour mills. They consume grain dust and milled cereals, yet they refrain from infesting intact and undamaged grains.
Confused Flour Beetle Habitat
Confused flour beetles are not restricted to infesting grain products. They also inhabit cracks and crevices where grain spillage occurs. These beetles infest an array of food items including cereal, cake mix, cornmeal, crackers, dry pet food, chocolate, nuts, and seeds such as birdseed. Infested food items typically contain both adult beetles and small, off-white larvae. The adults often stray from infested materials and can be found in pantries, cupboards, or other areas within the home.
Confused Flour Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
While confused flour beetles do not bite or transmit disease, they do emit an unpleasant odor and promote mold development in grain. They are attracted to grain with high moisture levels and can cause a grayish discoloration in the grain they infest. Common signs of an infestation include spotting live beetles crawling or flying around the home, encountering them in flour or cereal products, and noticing “leaky packages.” The presence of spilled meal or grain and small holes in packaging indicates the presence of an infestation.
If an infestation is present in your Central Arkansas home, locate and discard all infested material. Contact your local pant pest control experts for help or advice with confused flour beetles!
