Appearance:
Confused flour beetles are flat, shiny, reddish-brown with an elongated body. Their antennae segments increase in size from the base to the tip to form a club that consists of four segments. These beetles cannot fly.

Size:
1/8-inch long.

Behavior:
Confused flour beetles are stored-food pests and infest milled grain products such as flour and cereals. They are often found on the surface or deep within the food material they are infesting, and can invade storage containers because of their small size. They are also common in warehouses and grocery stores, and can invade homes where dry goods are stored.

Female beetles can lay 300 to 400 eggs in flour or other food during a 5 to 8 month period. Their tiny eggs hatch into slender larvae that have a 2-4 month life cycle, with adults living 3 years or more.

Habitat:
Confused flour beetles often hitchhike into the house in infested flour and can multiply into large populations on food crumbs that accumulate in cabinet cracks, crevices, and furniture. They breed in damaged grain and grain dust, flour, etc.

They can be found living in and feeding on barley, breakfast cereals, corn, cornmeal, flour, millet, rice, rye, wheat and wheat bran, dry beans, spices, powdered milk, and sunflower seeds. They also feed on dried fruits, nuts, chocolate, and other foods in the house. They have even been known to feed on arsenic-based insect and rodent baits.

Damage Caused:
Confused flour beetles are the most abundant and harmful insect pest of flour mills in the U.S. They cause significant damage to commercial grain products as well. Flour that has been heavily infested by these beetles is characterized by a gray tint as well as a sharp odor and moldy flavor. Flour beetles cause infested foodstuffs to become unpalatable and therefore cannot be sold, resulting in economic loss.

The Confused flour beetle apparently is so named due to confusion over its identity as it is so similar to the Red flour beetle at first glance.

Control:
The easiest and most effective control method is to locate the source of infestation and quickly dispose of it. Examine all food storage areas and food products carefully, and discard heavily infested foods in heavy-duty, sealed plastic bags or in sealed containers.

Remove decorations such as flowers, Christmas trees, wreaths, etc. from the home after they wilt or die.

It is also helpful to examine foods such as flour, cereal, dry pet food, candy, rice, dry pastas, and similar items for possible infestations that may be carried into the home, especially in damaged packages and boxes. Store these items in bags enclosed in tight-fitting containers. Purchase seldom-used foods in small quantities and prevent long storage periods, especially during warmer months. Store dry foods in the refrigerator when possible.

Make sure to keep storage areas clean and avoid spilling grains and dry foods in pantries and cabinets. Use a powerful vacuum to clean any spills or food particles, and keep all kitchen and pantry areas well ventilated as Confused flour beetles are attracted to moisture and moisture damaged foods.

Vacuuming the cabinets is much more beneficial than washing them. Vacuuming will remove flour dust and scraps in the cracks and crevices of the cabinet, while washing may make a paste of the flour which these pests may feed on.

Remember, flour beetles can survive on even the smallest bit of food, and they possess the ability to find it as well, so thorough sanitation is essential in controlling these pests.

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