Red Flour Beetle

Natural Habitat

Red flour beetles are common pantry pests found in kitchens, pantries, and food processing facilities worldwide. They thrive in warm, humid environments.

Diet & Feeding

Flour beetles primarily feed on stored dry goods such as flour, cereal, pasta, dried fruits, nuts, and pet food. They cannot feed on whole grains, only damaged ones.

Behavior Patterns

Flour beetles are highly active and can move quickly. They are attracted to light and can be found in dark, undisturbed areas during the day. They have a long lifespan, living up to a year or more. Females can lay hundreds of eggs over their lifetime.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: As prolific pantry pests, red flour beetles can contaminate food products, making them unfit for human consumption. They can introduce fungi and other microorganisms. They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans. Benefits: There are no significant benefits of red flour beetles to humans or the ecosystem; they are primarily considered pests.

Identified on: 8/16/2025