Biology:
The confused flour beetle female deposits about 300-500 clear white sticky eggs on or among food materials in cracks and crevices, in bags or through the mesh of sacks containing food. The female lays 2-3 eggs per day but lives for 2-3 years. The life cycle can be completed in only seven weeks, or it may require 3 months or longer. In heated storage facilities and processing plants, there are 4-5 generations yearly.Complete metamorphosis.

Habits:
These beetles are unable to feed on whole kernels or undamaged grain. They have been recorded attacking grains and grain products, peas, beans, shelled nuts, dried fruits, spices, milk chocolate, drugs, snuff cayenne pepper, insect an other museum species.They are attracted to light even though apparently they do not fly.Although humans are not injured by it, confused flour beetles do impact a disagreeable odour and taste to the flour they infest.

Reasons for Control:
Prevention of damage and contamination, loss of quality, loss of goodwill, to comply with UK Legislation.