GRAIN AND FLOUR BEETLES
Flour Beetles can withstand even higher amounts of radiation than cockroaches and they go through a complete metamorphosis just like a butterfly.
Starting as tiny eggs that are clear to white in color.
The eggs hatch into tiny creamy colored larvae. The larvae then transforms into a pupae, and from the pupae a fully
grown adult beetle emerges. Fully grown adult beetles are capable of reproduction and widespread infestations.
Flour Beetles grow to approximately 1/8 of an inch long.
Their bodies are flat, elongated and are a shiny reddish-brown in color.
While they do have the ability to chew, they do not sting or bite.
They live approximately 1 year and lay their eggs in the food they are contaminating.
One female beetle can lay up to 450 eggs over its short life.
To prevent flour beetles from infesting your home:
- Inspect bags of any whole grains (cereal, cake mixes, flour, bread flour, spice bags, dry dog food, etc,) for tiny holes.
Tiny holes in the bags or box can indicate the presence of flour beetles.
- Use discretion when purchasing foods from low cost super markets or clearance warehouses. They are notorious for spreading food borne insects.
- Place all grains, dog foods, cake mixes, spices etc. that come in a paper bag or box inside a sealed plastic bag or an air-tight plastic container with a tight fitting lid.
- ANY infested product you find at home should be thrown away immediately in a trash container outside of the home.
- Keep sticky traps such in the pantry (and other food storage areas) to monitor for unwanted insect activity.
Aard Pest Control has a variety of sticky monitors in they’re do-it-yourself store.
- Keep the pantry and food storage areas clean, dry and crumb free.
- Regularly vacuum and clean out under your refrigerator and stove. Food crumbs can accumulate in these areas
- Vacuum and sweep the pantry shelves, especially along the sides of the shelves where food crumbs collect.
The presence of food crumbs not only helps flour beetles to live and multiply, but also cockroaches, and other insects.
Outstanding job. Left very positive review on Google. Will come to you for any future needs.
11/16/2018
Zach Boller, Sammamish
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