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Drugstore Beetle and Cigarette Beetle
- Anobiid beetles that infest stored products -
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Summary: These small beetles infest a wide variety of stored foods and other natural products. If found the best approach is sanitation followed by proper storage and stock rotation. Use of insecticides should be reserved for the worst infestations and only as a last resort.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
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What are drugstore and cigarette beetles?
 There are a couple of closely related beetles, called the drugstore beetle and the cigarette beetle, that infest food products, spices, tobacco, natural fibers, dry pet food and so forth and can cause considerable damage. Both beetles belong in the family Anobiidae that includes beetles that damage wood (powderpost beetles) as well.
Adult beetles are similar in size and color at about 1/8" long and light brown to reddish brown in color with visible antennae. Beetles are commonly found crawling slowly on walls and floor near infestations. Larvae of both beetles are also similar (see photo right) with a dark amber head capsule and creme colored body. The larvae are often bent into a "C" shape when feeding.
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Fully grown cigarette beetle larva (~1/4"). Note dark, amber-colored head capsule.
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How to control these beetles
Like other insects that attack stored food products and natural fibers the best way to mange these beetles is (1) to locate the infestation and dispose of it, and (2) properly store food to prevent infestation in the first place.
Empty cabinets and storage areas. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean hard-to-reach areas and wipe down surfaces with a mild detergent. Discard infested packages and freeze the rest for a few days which kills all stages.
Once cabinets and shelves are clean you can treat cracks and crevices with a botanical insecticide such as EcoExempt D (see Related Articles below) to control small larvae that might have been missed in the cleaning. Return only pest-free items into the clean storage areas.
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Store susceptible foods in heavy plastic or glass containers, not the thin plastic bags you get at the supermarket. For foods that might be stored longer than 2 months you can freeze it for a day or two to kill any small larvae or eggs. Even packaged foods such as cereals and dried fruit can be infested with any of the stored product pests directly from the store. Most importantly be sure to rotate stocks of stored food so that individual items are not kept longer than necessary. Don't forget to check stocks of dry pet food or areas where kibbles might have spilled.
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Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.
Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.
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