Flour Beetles in Atta and Maida: How They Get In

Small reddish-brown beetles in flour are flour beetles.

The short answer

Flour beetles come in packaged flour or fly in, and thrive in warm, humid kitchens. They make flour smell musty and turn it greyish. Discard infested flour, clean the area, store in airtight containers and buy small quantities. Check the date and condition of packs.

Signs

• Tiny reddish-brown beetles.
• Musty smell and clumped flour.
• Larvae and shed skins.

Prevent

1. Buy small quantities.
2. Store in airtight containers.
3. Keep storage cool and dry.
4. Clean spills and shelves.
5. Check packs on purchase.

When to call a professional

If the problem is widespread, keeps returning or you are unsure what you are dealing with, a professional inspection will save time and avoid wasted effort.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sieve flour?

Discard if infested.

Does freezing help?

For new packs it may.

Are they harmful?

Mostly unhygienic.

Why do they come back?

Residue in containers.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on pantry and fabric pest control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full pantry and fabric pest control guide for Bangalore.