Cigarette Beetles
Stored-Product Pest—Cigarette Beetle
Size
Cigarette beetle adult is 1/16” - 1/8” (2 -3 mm) long and oval; mature larva 1/16” – 1/8” (2-3 mm) long.
Characteristics
Adult antennae are serrate, or saw like. It has punctures or pits on wing covers in an irregularly distributed pattern. Its head and thorax are bent downward, making the head barely or not vivible from above and giving this beetle a strongly humped appearance. Adults fly during the late afternoon and on dull, cloudy days, and are attracted to light.
Color
Adult is light brown. Mature larva is white.
Where
Distribution of the cigarette beetle is worldwide.
Habitat
The cigarette beetle got its common name because it attacks tobacco wherever it is stored.
Diet
Paprika, dry dog food, beans, biscuits, chickpeas, cigars, cigarettes, cocoa beans, cottonseed, dates, dried banana, dried cabbage, dried carrot, dried fruits, drugs, flower, dried flowers, ginger, grains, herbs, peanuts, pepper, raisins, rice, yeast, furniture stuffing and even insecticides containing pyrethrum.
Biology
The cigarette beetle female lays about 30-42 oval, whitish eggs in and about food materials. They hatch in 6-10 days in warm weather. There are 4-6 larval instars. The full-grown larvae pupate in silken cocoons covered with bits of foodstuff. The life cycle (egg to egg) requires 30-90 days and there are usually 3-6 overlapping generations per year. Minimum temperature for development is about 65°F. The adults may live from 23-28 days. They are strong fliers and are active in subdued light.
Damage
They can be numerous enough to make plant workers miserable by their presence.
Detection & Control
1. Inspect incoming items.
2. Supply ventilation.
3. Keep buildings in good physical condition to reduce entry.
4. Quickly remove spilled grain.
5. Keep facility clean, maintain grounds.
6. Store pallets 18 inches away from walls
7. Replace torn package
8. Rotate food and nonfood stock; move out oldest stock first.
9. Identify species correctly.
10. Use light traps and/or electrocuters.
11. Fumigate if appropriate.
12. Use insect pheromone and/or baited monitoring devices.
13. Use only registered pesticides. Read entire label, and follow all directions, heeding restrictions and precautions.