Health officials say red flour beetle does not spread disease

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) – As Socorro residents continue to deal with a red flour beetle infestation, health officials say these bugs do not spread diseases.

The El Paso Department of Public Health emphasizes that the red flour beetle is not a health threat.

“We know that it’s a nuisance and it doesn’t produce any diseases in the humans or the pets. In some rare occasions, you can see a rash. But these insects do not even bite people,” said Dr. Hector Ocaranza, the city-county health authority.

The City of Socorro first acknowledged the influx of the red flour beetles in August. Officials say they are working with Texas A&M entomologists and with the Texas Department of Agriculture to handle the issue. Officials say this infestation may have something to do with an increase of pecan shells in the area.

KTSM spoke to a few Socorro residents who say they are tired of seeing the bugs in their homes. One resident did not want to be identified but said she sees these bugs everywhere.

“There’s three occasions where, they were in my bed when I was asleep. I get grossed out. They haven’t bit me. They haven’t done anything. I haven’t had any allergic reactions. It’s just gross. And I feel like something needs to be done,” one resident said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.