CIGARETTE BEETLE

CIGARETTE BEETLE
The Cigarette Beetle is similar to the Drug Store Beetle--it has a short body with a large shield covering the head. These light brown beetles are only about 1/10th inch in size. Some people incorrectly refer to them as “weevils” as they may infest dried food products, but as their name suggests, they are a serious pest to tobacco products. They may also burrow into books when they are still in larvae form, and occasionally get into upholstery.

Life Cycle
Eggs are laid on and around the infested products, and hatch in about a week or so. The larva goes through 4-6 instars, the pupa is encased in a silken cocoon. The whole life cycle can be completed in 40-50 days, with 3-6 generations produced each year.