Cigarette Beetle
Lasioderma serricorne
Also known as: Tobacco Beetle
The Cigarette Beetle is named for its notorious infestation of stored tobacco products. It also feeds on a wide variety of dried plant materials including spices, dried herbs, pet food, and cereal. It is one of the most common and destructive pests in spice processing facilities.
Identification
Size
2-3 mm
Color
Reddish-brown with a rounded, humped body
Key Trait
Very similar to drugstore beetle but with smooth wing covers (no grooves) and serrate antennae; infests tobacco products and spices.
Behavior & Habitat
Larvae bore through dried plant materials. Adults are active fliers attracted to light. Similar broad diet to drugstore beetle but with a particular affinity for tobacco and spices.
Habitat: Pantries, tobacco warehouses, spice processing facilities, and anywhere dried plant products are stored.
Diet: Tobacco, spices, dried herbs, paprika, cayenne pepper, pet food, dried flowers, cereal, and other dried plant products.
Signs of Infestation
- Small round beetles in spice containers and dried herb packages
- Damage to stored tobacco products
- Beetles flying near lights in kitchens and storage areas
Risks & Damage
Infests spices, dried herbs, and a variety of stored food products.
Prevention Tips
- 1.Store spices and dried herbs in sealed glass containers
- 2.Refrigerate paprika, cayenne, and other susceptible spices
- 3.Discard old, rarely used spice containers
Why DIY Treatment Often Falls Short
The infested source is often an old spice container or bag of pet food in a closet. Surface treatments cannot reach larvae inside products.
Professional Treatment
Professionals locate infested products through comprehensive inspection, apply pheromone monitoring, and treat storage areas. Commercial facilities may require fumigation.
Related Pests
Frequently Asked Questions
How is it different from the drugstore beetle?
Can cigarette beetles actually eat tobacco?
Why are they in my spice cabinet?
Need Help With Cigarette beetle?
If you're seeing signs of cigarette beetle in or around your home, professional treatment is the fastest way to stop the problem. Lotus Pest Control offers free inspections to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.
At a Glance
- Category
- Pantry Pests
- Scientific Name
- Lasioderma serricorne
- Size
- 2-3 mm
- Color
- Reddish-brown with a rounded, humped body
- Key Trait
- Very similar to drugstore beetle but with smooth wing covers (no grooves) and serrate antennae; infests tobacco products and spices.
- Regions
- Southeast, South Central, Northeast, Midwest
- Threat Level
- Low
- Risk Types
- food
- Seasonal Activity
- MarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebnonelowmoderatehighpeak