What Are Cigarette Beetles?
Cigarette beetles (Lasioderma serricorne) are small, oval-shaped insects that are light brown to reddish-brown in color and measure about 2–3 mm long. They get their name from their ability to infest stored tobacco products, including cigarettes and cigars. These beetles are strong fliers and are commonly found in homes, warehouses, and food storage areas where dried goods are present.
Habitat & Behavior
In North Carolina, cigarette beetles are most often found in stored food products and dry goods. They commonly infest items such as tobacco, flour, cereal, spices, pet food, dried herbs, and grains. Cigarette beetles lay their eggs directly in these products, where the larvae feed and develop.
Prevention & Control
Prevention involves regularly inspecting pantry items, storing dry foods in airtight containers, and discarding any infested products. Keeping pantry shelves clean and rotating stored foods can also help reduce the risk of infestation. In cases where infestations spread beyond food storage areas, professional pest control may be needed to eliminate the beetles and prevent further contamination.