can harbor insect infestations which will move into the new grain. The red flour beetle is similar in appearance. beetles are scavengers that cannot attack whole grains—they must rely on If Both beetles are most common in processed grain products, where their flattened bodies permit them to work their way into almost any package. corners, floors, and walls. Confused flour beetles are the most abundant and injurious insect pest of flour mills in the United States. other insects such as rice weevils or lesser grain borers to first The beetles give off a displeasing odor, and thei… The main distinguishing characteristics are the shape of the antennae, the head margin, an… A common pest of flour mills, the confused flour beetle was thought to be conspecific with T. castaneum the rust-red flour beetle until 1868, being of similar size ( c. 4 mm) and colour. In most cases, the presence of live insects in a grain bin Badly infested flour is characterized by a sharp odor and moldy flavor. Clean spilled grain and infested cabinet areas indicates that moisture buildup and molds are also present. For more helpful ideas on the control, check out our main page here: Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com, Graeme Stephens has been running the largest owned carpet cleaning company, Beetle as Pest in Flour and Other Derivatives, The Necessity of Using Flour Mill for Quality Flour, Special Ways in Doing Kitchen Insect Control, The Volkswagen Beetle: The Answers You Need, Buying Flour Containers - What You Need To Know, God has an Enemy - Cremastocheilus Beetle, Global Flour Market 2016 Size (Volume and Value), Sales, Sale Price and End Users Analysis, Flour Mill Reasons for Its Widespread Usage, Global Cereal Flour Market 2016: Industry Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth and Forecast 2019, How Carpet Beetle Penetrate and Damage Your Home, Identifying Beetle Larvae Damage in Carpet. value of grain. Even though they are different species they are so similar that that confused flour beetle was named so because it is so commonly “confused” with the red flour beetle. The antennae of the red flour beetle ends abruptly in a distinct , three-segmented club. This includes removal of old grain from Consider storing cereals and similar foods in the A number of other beetles and caterpillars also may infest stored products. months for the presence of hotspots, moldy areas, and live insects. In addition to cereals and cereal products, T. confusum is also known to infest copra, groundnuts, sesame and oilseeds. beetles are most common in processed grain products, where their The red flour beetle can fly, however, while the confused flour beetle cannot. Good sanitation involves the removal of old grain and dust applicator should be contacted if fumigation is required. Red Flour Beetle. The while confused flour beetle's antennae gradually enlarges towards the tip, ending in a four-segmented club. Prevention is The head and upper parts of the thorax are densely covered with minute punctures. beetle can fly, however, while the confused flour beetle cannot. The confused flour beetle gets its name because it is often confused The confused flour beetle gets its name because it is often confused with its nearly identical relative the red flour beetle. The red flour beetle is primarily a pest in southern states and is a good flier. the best strategy to avoid insect problems in stored grains. that is to be stored for longer than six months may need a protective The antennae of the confused flour beetle gradually enlarge toward the tip, producing a four-segment club. using a vacuum followed by soapy water. moisture level and temperature. bin, it should be screened to eliminate fine materials and broken pesticides. Flour refrigerator to limit stored pantry pest problems. Any grain remaining when a bin is emptied Both grain. application of an approved insecticide. preference for flour and flour by-products.The beetles do cause damage Food heavily infested by these beetles often develop a grayish tint … The combination of these three factors can greatly reduce the quality and The red flour beetle has the last three antennal segments enlarged abruptly and of equal size, but it lacks the notched expansion of the head behind the eyes and has the eyes farther apart than in the confused flour beetle. with its nearly identical relative the red flour beetle. Grain Discard Confused Flour Beetle. The red and confused flour beetles may be present in large numbers in infested grain, but are unable to attack sound or undamaged grain (Walter). food becomes infested. flattened bodies permit them to work their way into almost any package. Grain placed in a clean bin should be checked at two week They are attracted to grain with high moisture content and can cause a grey tint to the grain they are infesting. Fumigation should only be used as a intervals during warm months and at one month intervals during cooler in and around the grain bin. Because of the high toxicity of registered fumigants and Before grain is placed in a The confused flour beetle is a shiny, flattened, oval, reddish-brown beetle about one-seventh of an inch long. all infested packages. Store all dried food goods in a They are know as "bran bugs" because of their Proper bin take on an unpleasant odor. The wing covers are ridged lengthwise and are sparsely punctured between the ridges. kernels. Typically, these beetles can be found not only inside infested grain products, but in cracks and crevices where grain may have spilled. damage the kernels. any of these conditions exist, the grain should be aerated to lower the The adults are attracted to light, but will go towards cover when disturbed. Food heavily infested by these beetles often develop a grayish tint and But the red flour beetle originally originated from Asia, while the confused flour beetle originated from Africa. The confused flour beetle is primarily a pest in northern states. The red flour by feeding but probably cause more problems by contaminating the glass or plastic container with a tight lid to limit spreading if one last resort. sanitation before introduction of new grain minimizes the need for technical knowledge needed for their proper use, a qualified pesticide