Dealing with flour beetles: Safeguard your kitchen essentials

Various insects, such as fruit flies, ants, and pantry moths, often appear in homes. The flour beetle, though less known, is equally harmful. It contaminates food products with its waste, moulted skins, and dead specimens. It can also transmit harmful microorganisms.

The flour beetle is a small insect with a dark brown or black body. Adult beetles have a shiny shell and wings and measure up to 15 mm in length. The larvae are white and hide in food products like flour, rice, or potato starch.

The flour beetle often enters the home through purchased food products. It rarely flies into homes independently, usually settling in kitchen corners. The development from egg to adult takes about a year, and a female can lay up to 500 eggs. Flour beetle larvae are almost impossible to see with the naked eye, making them particularly challenging to combat.

The first step in combating the flour beetle is to throw away all infested food products. Next, thoroughly clean the entire kitchen, paying special attention to cabinets and corners. For best results, wipe all surfaces with a cloth moistened with vinegar.

One of the most effective methods is freezing food. The flour beetle is resistant to low temperatures, but larval development halts at temperatures above 32°C and below -5°C. Freezing can effectively target both larvae and adults.

To prevent flour beetles in your home, it's worthwhile to follow a few simple guidelines:

• Regularly inspect food products before purchasing.
• Store loose products in airtight containers.
• Maintain regular cleaning, especially in cabinets and corners.
• Use sticky traps and chemical preparations to prevent pest development.