Do you have tiny red bugs in your bathroom?

Although there are several possibilities, the potential for a stored product pest, in particular the presence of flour beetles, should not be overlooked.

The confused flour beetle and the red flour beetle look very similar in appearance. The best way to tell them apart is by examining their antennae. The RFB antennas take a stick shape with three segments at the end, while the CFB antennas gradually enlarge towards the tip, ending in a four-segment pole.

Another difference between the two beetles is that the RFB (found primarily in the southern states) is a strong flier, while the CFB (primarily a northern pest) does not fly.

As adults, both beetles have shiny reddish-brown bodies that are about 1/8 inch long, flattened, and oval. They have a very wide range of foods that includes flour, rice, cereals, grains, spices, grain products, shelled nuts, dried fruits, chocolate, beans and other similar materials.

The half-life of the confused red flour beetle is between 1 and 3.5 years. They have four life cycle stages, which include the egg, larvae, pupae, and adult. It is important to note that all four life cycle stages can be found in infested grain products at the same time.

When female beetles of either species lay their small, white eggs, they do so in flour or other food material. The eggs, which are covered with a sticky discharge, become covered with the product and easily adhere to the sides of sacks, boxes and other containers.

At the larval stage, both species are small, slender, and worm-like in appearance. When fully developed, the larva is 3/16 inch long and white, tinged yellow.

As the confused flour and red flour beetles transform into a small pupa, they gradually change from white to yellow and then brown. Shortly after turning brown, they transform into an adult beetle.

So now that we have identified the plague, the next question is:

Why is there a pest that feeds on flour, rice, and other grain products in my bathroom instead of my kitchen?

The answer to the previous question is very easy: you have a food source in your bathroom.

To eliminate the pest problem, you just have to eliminate the food source. Thoroughly inspect your cabinets, drawers, and cupboards for rodent poisons, septic system treatments (powder or flake), hidden pet treats, rice bag heating pads, prescription drugs, etc. It can be a frustrating task, but with a little persistence, you should be able to locate the source of your problem.

Happy hunting!