Cigarette Beetles in Central Arkansas
Cigarette beetles are widespread and present in various parts of the world including the United States. They pose a major problem for stored tobacco, laying eggs in the folds of newly harvested leaves stored in bales or bundles, but never in live plants in the field. In warmer climates, they can produce five to six generations per year, while in the U.S., typically three generations occur annually. Besides tobacco, these beetles are found in food storage areas and can cause damage to books, manuscripts, and other organic materials.
Cigarette Beetle Habitat
These beetles are active fliers, particularly during late afternoons and cloudy days, and remain active throughout the year. They infest storage areas or warehouses with dried tobacco and can migrate from these places to homes, especially in southern regions, causing infestations. In homes, they feed on pantry staples like cereal and flour.
Cigarette Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Although cigarette beetles are not harmful to humans or pets, they are considered a nuisance due to their tendency to infest food and pet food. They infest various dried vegetable materials, including tobacco, making them a serious pest in stored tobacco products. They also damage books, affecting both bindings and pages. When dealing with an infestation, it’s important to find and dispose of infested items, particularly focusing on spices, pet food, and old rodent bait.
If you are dealing with a cigarette beetle problem, contact your local beetle exterminators for help.
