Size
1/8”
Color
Reddish brown
Description
The Cigarette Beetle is found worldwide and is considered a pest for invading stored dried foods such as flour, cereal, rice, nuts, beans, pet foods, and dried plants such as spices and tobacco. Its body is larger than its head, which it holds down, giving it a humped appearance. The adult Cigarette Beetle prefers small dark spaces and is usually active at dusk and during the night. It has wings and will fly away to avoid predators and to locate new locations to lay eggs.
The female Cigarette Beetle lays her eggs on the food source and it is the larvae of the Cigarette Beetle that eat the dried tobacco. The larvae go through several stages of growth, then burrow down into the stored foods and create a cocoon. They emerge from their cocoon a couple of weeks later as adults. It is the cocoons and larvae feces that contaminate the stored dried goods.
Control Advice
Discard infested food and clean food storage area thoroughly. Store dry food goods in airtight containers.
Active Seasons
The Cigarette Beetle is most active in fall and winter.