Red & Confused Flour Beetles

What do red and confused flour beetles look like?

Red flour beetles and confused flour beetles are two of the most common species of flour beetles found invading homes. Both species are very similar in appearance. They are red-brown, winged, and grow to be about 1/8 of an inch in length. The best way to tell the two apart is by a microscopic difference found on their antennae. The red flour beetle’s antennae end suddenly in a 3-segmented club, while the confused flour beetle’s antennae widens out gradually from their head. Another difference between the two species is their flying ability. Although both have functional wings, the red flour beetle can be seen flying short distances while the confused flour beetle is never seen flying. The larvae of both species measure 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch in length, are yellow-white, and have a wiry, worm-like appearance.

Where are these beetles found?

Both species of flour beetle are commonly found invading homes, grocery stores, mills, and food processing facilities. They are unable to feed on whole kernels, so they are common pests of flour and cereal products. These beetles are not harmful to people, but will cause food inside Iowa & Illinois homes and pantries to become contaminated. Also, the food sources that they are invading will have a bad taste and odor associated with them. Both species of beetles are attracted to sources of light, and adults may enter buildings through cracks around windows and doors after being attracted by outdoor lighting.

What do red and confused flour beetles eat?

Red flour beetles and confused flour beetles both feed on a variety of things including flour (especially if it has a high moisture content), cereals, peas, beans, shelled nuts, chocolate, spices, dried fruits, dried herbs and spices, drugs, insects, and items that are on display at museums.

Contact Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators! We Are Ready to Help

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

DIY red and confused flour beetle prevention and control tips

To prevent a red flour beetle or confused flour beetle infestation in your home’s kitchen or pantry you should always check food products that you are purchasing for holes or rips in the packaging. When you get items home from the store, it is a good idea to remove them from their original packaging and place items into plastic or glass containers that have tight-fitting lids. Routinely clean out the pantry to get rid of expired items and clean up crumbs and spills. To help prevent the beetles from entering your home on their own, caulk gaps around windows and doors and change white outdoor lights to yellow or sodium vapor lights that are less attractive to insects.

Professional beetle control

The pest control professionals at Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators have the training, skill, and equipment needed to safely eliminate these pantry pests from your home or business. Contact us today to learn more about our residential pest control and commercial solutions.

Why Choose Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators?

  • A Category of One
    There are plenty of pest control companies out there, but there is only one pest eliminator. We don't want to control the pests in your home or business, we want them gone forever. Call us today to get rid of your pest problem for the last time!
  • Guaranteed Service
    Our local, family-owned pest control company is committed to friendly service, effective solutions, and 100% customer satisfaction! If you need pest control in Central Illinois and the Quad Cities, we are ready to help!
  • Effective Solutions
    For over 95 years, Quik-Kill has been perfecting our craft and developing our skills to deliver the best results! Our services include residential pest control, rodent control, mosquito control, and more!
  • Sudden Service
    We understand how important dependable service is to you, and we make every effort to respond to your pest problems quickly! How soon can your tech come out? Contact us to get started!

Connect with Us Request a Free Estimate

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please lookup your address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy
    "Quick-Kill is a great company"
    The technicians are polite and very knowledgeable. They keep us updated if they will be running early or late for the service visit. I would definitely recommend them to anyone.
    - Randy B.
    "True Professionals"
    Reliable, friendly, thorough and responsive to any issues. We are so happy we switched to Quick Kill. Would highly recommend them to anyone.
    - Monika S.
    "Love Them!"
    They were fast, friendly, and even cleaned up after they were done. I was extremely impressed with the service we recieved today!
    - Zachary Z.
    "A Loyal Customer"
    Rick has been coming here for years, and he is always punctual, pleasant, and does a good job. It's always a pleasure to see him every month. If we ever have any issues, we just let him know, and he takes care of it.
    - Kathryn W.
    "5 Stars"
    Our Quick Kill representative is awesome. He knows what he is doing in his job and is always on time and professional!
    - Brock E.
FREE Inspection
Where We Service