RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a powerful tool in the study of Tribolium castaneum, the red flour beetle, enhancing our understanding of its biology and potential for pest management. This review explores the current status and future perspectives of RNAi applications in T. castaneum, emphasizing its dual significance as both a pest and a model insect. We start with a small literature study on the global landscape of RNAi research on Tribolium from 2000 to 2024 in Web of Science (WoS). The beetle’s well-annotated genome, economic importance, and high susceptibility to RNAi have positioned it as an invaluable model organism in the field of insect molecular biology. We examine how RNAi has revolutionized our understanding of T. castaneum’s developmental processes, from the intricate formation of excretory organs to the complex mechanisms governing growth and metamorphosis. The review highlights RNAi’s role in elucidating osmoregulatory pathways, Malpighian tubule development, and the endocrine control of stage transitions. Additionally, we explore the emerging field of protein glycosylation studies, where RNAi has provided novel insights into both N- and O-glycosylation processes. The potential of T. castaneum as a high-throughput screening system for RNAi-based insecticidal target genes is a central focus. We discuss the genomic and transcriptomic resources available, RNAi applications across different life stages, and various delivery methods. The review compares in vitro and in vivo studies, evaluates the predictive power of T. castaneum for other insect species, and addresses critical considerations of efficacy and biosafety in developing RNAi-based pest control strategies. Looking to the future, we present emerging RNAi tools, such as the GAL4/UAS system and methods for temporal control of RNAi effects, which promise to further enhance T. castaneum’s utility in both basic research and applied entomology. This comprehensive review underscores RNAi’s pivotal role in advancing our understanding of insect biology and its potential in developing environmentally friendly pest management strategies, serving as a valuable resource for researchers in entomology, molecular biology, and pest control.