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Both the cigarette and drugstore
beetle belong to a family of wood-boring beetles known as Anobiidae
and can be confused with species that infest items made of wood. If a
beetle is found in association with food products, it is likely the
cigarette or drugstore beetle. If not, you may want to have a
professional examine the beetles to obtain a positive identification
The female cigarette beetle lays
30-40 eggs over a period of weeks in a stored tobacco or dried food
product. The eggs hatch within six to 10 days and the larvae begin
crawling throughout the food source while feeding. The larvae prefer
the dark and take about 5 to 10 weeks before pupating. The entire life
cycle takes up to 90 days to complete with up to six overlapping
generations occurring each year in warm climates. This shorter life
cycle permits a faster development of cigarette beetle populations,
facilitating the spread of cigarette beetles to uninfested food
products stored nearby.
This beetle is an external feeder,
meaning the larvae develop outside of whole seeds. It is most commonly
associated with processed foods of all kinds. Adult beetles are strong
fliers most commonly seen in low light conditions. This beetle can be
found throughout the year, but is especially common during the fall
and winter.
As its name implies, the cigarette
beetle is a pest of dried tobacco in tobacco warehouses and processing
facilities. Interestingly, this beetle is not commonly found infesting
stored cigarettes or cigars in stores or homes. It will infest a wide
variety of food products and is common in pet food, cereals, nuts,
dried peppers, spices, raisins, seeds and dried straw flours.
Cigarette beetle larvae have also been found to feed on the stuffing
inside upholstered furniture. The cigarette beetle is also a major
pest in museums, where it attacks botany displays and other artefacts
of vegetative origin.
Advice for Tobacco Beetle:
Use Fortefog Mini Fumers,
Protector C or
Agrodust.
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