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  • Cigarette Beetle Beetles

    Cigarette Beetle
  • Cigarette Beetle
  • Cigarette Beetle
  • Cigarette Beetle
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Elimination

The first step is to identify and discard all infested containers. Anything that has not been attacked by these pests should be stored in airtight containers. Next, vacuum all cracks and crevices in the pantry to remove any crumbs and insects. Always discard the vacuum bag, seeing as the insects can continue to reproduce inside. Lastly, apply an insecticide like Maheu&Maheu Crawling Insect Killer or Maheu&Maheu Insecticide Dust . Before doing so, remove everything from the pantry. Also refrain from washing the cupboard shelves for about a month. It is strongly recommended that you line the shelves with paper before putting the food back, to avoid contact between the containers and the pesticide.

Actions

  • Put all food in sealed containers
  • Vacuum pantries and under appliances (empty receptacle/dispose of bag)
  • Spray or treat the perimeter of the kitchen with an insecticide as well as cracks and crevices in pantries

Prevention

  • Store food in sealed containers

Description and development

The Cigarette Beetle (Lasioderma serricorne F. ) is a holometabolous insect of the order of Coleoptera from the Anobiidae family. It resembles the Drugstore Beetle with the main exception of its antennae. The Drugstore Beetle has antennae whose last three segments are more knob-like in appearance whereas the Cigarette Beetle’s are like a saw. The Cigarette Beetle also has a yellowish-brown elytra (pair of hardened wings) that is covered with small hairs. Adults are reddish-yellow to reddish-brown in color, oval shaped, and 2 to 3 mm long, whereas the larvae can be up to 5 mm long.
The female lays an average of 40 eggs, although more than twice this amount has been noted on occasion. The larvae molt twice before transforming into pupae, and then into adults. The complete life cycle runs about 70 days.

Habits

The larvae and adult insects can wreak havoc. They infest any number of dried substances, both of vegetable origin (tobacco, fruit, rice, peanuts, pepper, ginger, and various spices) and animal origin. They are also known to attack books and furniture when conditions are conducive to their rapid spread.

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