Appearance:
Red flour beetles are reddish-brown in color with a flat, elongated body. They are very similar to the Confused flour beetle except the Red flour beetle’s antennae ends in a three-segmented club, whereas the Confused flour beetle’s club-like antennae has four segments.

Size:
1/8-inch long.

Behavior:
The Red and Confused flour beetles live in the same environment and compete for resources. They Red flour beetle can fly, especially before a storm. They can breed throughout the year in warm areas, with a life cycle that can take from 40-90 days. All forms of the life cycle may be found in the infested grain and stored food products both beetles favor. Adults can live for three years or so.

Red flour beetles can be found in large numbers in infested grain and pantry products, as well as in cracks and crevices where these products may have spilled. They are attracted to grain with high moisture content and can cause whatever foodstuff they are infesting to have a gray tint and can encourage mold growth.

Habitat:
Adult Red flour beetles are very active and can be found either on the surface or deep within the food material. They are scavengers and must rely on other insects to damage grain before they can feed on it. Because of their small size, they are able to invade storage containers. They can be found in dry pet food, dried flowers, nuts, birdseed, meal, and most grain products.

Red flour beetles have chewing mouthparts but do not bite. They are attracted to light but will go towards cover when disturbed. They prefer temperate areas but can survive the winter in protected places, especially where there is central heat.

Damage Caused:
The Red and Confused flour beetles are known as "bran bugs" because they primarily attack milled grain products such as flour and cereals. Stored grains and similar food products can become heavily infested by these beetles if stored improperly, or left untouched for long periods of time. Flour beetles cause infested foodstuffs to become unpalatable and therefore cannot be sold, resulting in economic loss.

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 Red 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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