Red Flour Beetle (Tribolium castaneum)

Identification

Behaviour

Signs of Infestation

Fumigation for Red Flour Beetle Control

Additional Control Methods

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Get in touch with one of our experts.

The red flour beetle is a common pest of stored food products in Sri Lanka, causing significant damage and economic losses.

Identification

Physical description: Small, reddish-brown beetle (1/8-3/16 inch long) with a flattened body for squeezing into tight spaces.
Habitat: Primarily found in stored food products like flour, grains, cereals, spices, nuts, dried fruits, and pet food. They thrive in warm, dry environments.
Feeding habits: Feed on a wide variety of dry, starchy foods. They can chew through packaging to reach food sources.

Behaviour

Life cycle: Complete metamorphosis with four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The entire life cycle can take as little as a month under ideal conditions, allowing for rapid population growth.
Activity patterns: Primarily active at night, but can be active during the day if disturbed.

Signs of Infestation

Visual signs: Presence of adult beetles in stored food products. Look for frass (insect droppings) resembling fine sand, shed skins, and damaged food packaging.
Behavioral signs: Flour or grain dust around containers, webbing produced by larvae, and a musty odor from infested products.

Fumigation for Red Flour Beetle Control

Fumigation is a highly effective method for eliminating red flour beetle infestations, especially in large-scale storage facilities. Here’s what you can expect:

Process: A licensed pest control professional will use a fumigant gas, like phosphine, to penetrate sealed storage areas and kill all life stages of the beetle.
Benefits: Fumigation ensures complete eradication from infested products and surrounding areas. It’s ideal for penetrating packaging and reaching hidden beetles.

Additional Control Methods

Additional Control Methods:

Preventative measures: Recommend practicing good sanitation, storing food products in airtight containers, and regularly inspecting storage areas for signs of infestation.
Non-chemical control: For less severe infestations, consider using diatomaceous earth dust or sticky traps to trap and kill adult beetles.

809/36, Negombo Road, Mabola, Wattala

+94 77 368 8979

info@ceylonpestcontrol.com

Red Flour Beetle (Tribolium castaneum)

Identification

Behaviour

Signs of Infestation

Fumigation for Red Flour Beetle Control

Additional Control Methods

Need Help?

Identification

Behaviour

Signs of Infestation

Fumigation for Red Flour Beetle Control

Additional Control Methods

Fumigation

Pest Control Services

Contact

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