subject: Tiny Bugs in Flour? Here Are The Likely Candidates [print this page] Tiny Bugs in Flour? Here Are The Likely Candidates
Finding bugs in flower or cornmeal can be a very unsettling experience. After the initial shock, you might ask yourself, "What type of pests are these?" This article will cover the most probable pests causing the infestation. Below is a listing of the usual suspects:
Confused or Red Flower Beetle
Cigarette or Drugstore Beetle
Sawtoothed Grain Beetle
Indian Meal Moth
HOW TO GET CONTROL
Regardless of the species, control of stored product pests is pretty much standard. To effectively eliminate the infestation, the food source must be found and destroyed. In general, the number of pests found directly correlates with the age of the infestation. If the problem has manifested for a while, you could have issues with other products near the original source found. It's always a good idea to check partially used boxes or bags of product that have been forgotten or used sparingly.
Once you've found and disposed the source(s) of the problem, you should deal with the remaining pests. Diluted bleach or soap and water will work just fine to rid your cabinets or pantry of the crawling pests; just wipe them away and dispose of them appropriately. Another option is to vacuum the pests up, which is the preferred method in the pest control industry. For Indian Meal Moths or other flying pests, a broom might be needed to reach the high areas they may be resting.
Good sanitation and proper storage are the keys to preventing future infestations. Products purchased in bags or boxes should be placed in plastic containers or jars with lids that seal tightly. If you have decorative items like dried flower arrangements or Indian corn that you would prefer not to dispose of, you may place the items in a freezer for approximately 4-7 days.
