Cigarette Beetles

08/2022 Cigarette Beetles:
Insect Identification and Information

By: Andrew Fisher, ACE, PHE
 

Description

Adults: These beetles are light brown, 2-3 mm (0.09 inches) long. The elytra (hardened wing covers) are smooth and not striated (rows of pits). The antennal segments are finely serrated (toothed) to the tips.

Eggs: Not readily visible without magnification. Eggs are slightly oval in shape, whitish is color, satin to glossy sheen, and approximately 0.2-0.5 mm (0.019 inches) long.

Larvae: Creamy white, C- shaped, very hairy, with a large distinct head, and three pair of thoracic legs.

Pupae: Pupal cases are whitish; pupal chambers are created within food material.

Life Cycle

The female beetle will lay up to 100 eggs during a 2-4 week life span. Larvae will tunnel through the food product for about 4-5 weeks. The average life cycle will take 6-8 weeks depending on humidity and temperature. These beetles are excellent flyers and are most active in the late afternoons. It can only survive in warm buildings in temperate regions.

Damage and Detection

Packages and food products infested with these beetles usually have shot holes where adults have emerged from pupation. Adults and larvae cause damage. Adults are excellent fliers and are attracted to lights. The use of pheromone traps and inspections can determine the location and degree of infestation. These beetles are commonly found in tobacco and other processed foods such as spices, flour, meal, and dog food, but can also attack horn, wool, hair, hide, pharmaceuticals and even book bindings. It is a common household pest.

Management

Prevention and exclusion are the principal methods of controlling cigarette beetles. Focus on identifying and destroying infested materials. Cigarette beetles can be found infesting dried pet foods, old rodent baits, many other processed foods as mentioned above, etc. Thoroughly clean the area where the infestation was noted and, if necessary, apply an insecticide in conjunction with an IGR into cracks and crevices. Exclusion is an important way of limiting the exposure of other commodities to infestation. One of the best ways to prevent an infestation is to thoroughly inspect any product that is being received and unloaded into a facility. Proper training of employees is essential in this step for identifying any damaged goods or other signs of infested product.

Work cited:

Insects Limited Inc
https://www.insectslimited.com/cigarette-beetle#:~:text=Cigarette%20Beetle%20Description,Not%20readily%20visible%20without%20magnification.

https://www.padil.gov.au/pests-and-diseases/pest/main/135922/8089#