Mid-Missouri Pest Information: Stored Product Pests

The confused flour beetle is reddish brown in color and can be found in homes and grocery stores worldwide. They will feed on grains, peas, beans, nuts, dried fruit, spices, etc. They have wings and are attracted to light, but apparently do not fly. Harmless to humans, these stored product pests do leave an undesirable taste and odor to flour they infest.

The foreign grain beetle has a reddish-brown, flattened body. They feed on plant and animal debris and are attracted to damp and moldy grains. They can also be associated with mold found in bathrooms. Adults are very strong fliers and are attracted to lights at night, entering homes through screens.

The adult Indian meal moth has pale gray wings with a reddish brown outer half. The mature larvae are dirty white and wormlike. The adult Indian meal moth does not cause any damage. Larvae feed on grain, dried fruits, seeds, nuts, crackers, chocolate, candies, dog food, bird seed, etc.

This beetle is reddish-brown in color and is similar in appearance to the confused flour beetle. The red flour beetle has the ability to fly, but only short distances. Feeding behavior is identical to that of the confused flour beetle.