GROSS! Red Beetles Are STILL Invading This Texas City

If you live in Socorro, TX, you might have noticed some uninvited guests lately. Red flour beetles have been making their way into homes and businesses, causing quite a stir. (Did someone say Beetlejuice three times and call out the wrong beetle??!!)

While these pesky little critters aren’t a huge public health risk, they can still be super annoying (and just gross and creepy) – and they might even cause allergic reactions in some people.

Residents Are STILL Dealing With The Bugs One Month Later:

Welp, a whole month later and Socorro residents are now finding creative ways to try and prevent these tiny Red Flour beetles from falling in their kitchen, bedroom, and anywhere in their homes.

These bugs are so small they can creep in through anywhere and that’s including the vents of homes, so residents are having to place plastic bags over their vents to prevent the bugs from falling on their beds! YIKES!

Well, according to an online article from KTSM, The City of Socorro is working “diligently” with Texas A&M entomologists and others to deal with these red flour beetles.

According to City of Socorro officials, they are working with the Texas Department of Agriculture and one main thing they are trying to pinpoint is what could be attracting these bugs, including food!

City officials also said that they are placing traps all around the city to, "ensure that no other food sources exist that require treatment.”

The City of Socorro also jumped in with some tips on how to handle these beetles

The city said there are ways to prevent infestations from happening:

• Weather seal the bottom of doors.
• Caulk all cracks around windows and gaps in entry or exit holes in exterior walls for appliances and plumbing.
• Put fine mesh screen on roof vents, and any under-home access points.

The city also provided tips on how to treat infestations that have already occurred:

• Spray a pyrethroid insecticide to exterior parts of the home. 
• Turn off all exterior lights if possible.
• Keep windows closed, unless the screen has finer-type mesh than a standard window screen.
• Spray perimeters with synthetic pyrethroids or pyrethrins.
• WARNING: Do not use insecticides in food preparation areas, and only use those labeled for indoor use.
• Throw away infested food.
• Empty the area where you store food and vacuum. Wash shelves, drawers and corners with hot water and soap. You can also check for hidden areas under or around appliances.

If you’re one of the many homes in Socorro that are dealing with these red flour beetles and you need more assistance, you are encouraged to call the City administration at (915) 858-2915.

THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE WAS POSTED ON AUGUST 21, 2024