Size:
Adult beetles are 2.0 to 3.5 mm long
Color:
Adult beetles are light to dark brown.
During day time they hide in dark places. Even though they are strong fliers, their primary means of spreading is via infested materials transported by humans.
The head is bent downward, so the beetle has a distinct hump-back appearance. The adults are good fliers and most active during early evening hours unless temperatures are below 65 F.
Larvae feed on dried tobacco leaves, causing great damage. It also eat flour, cookie, milled cereals, pet foods.
Larvae infest various kinds of dried foods such as flour, cookie, milled cereals, pet foods and dried tobacco leaves. The larvae are most harmful pest in tobacco industries.
It May be a serious pest of items such as books, flax tow, cotton seed meal, rice, ginger, pepper, paprika, dried fish, crude drugs, seeds, pyrethrum powder, and dried plants.
Tobacco Or Cigarett Beetle Prevention Tips
- The simplest and most effective control measure is to locate the source of infestation and quickly get rid of it. Use a flashlight or other light source to examine all food storage areas and food products carefully. Dispose of heavily infested foods in wrapped, heavy plastic bags or in sealed containers for garbage disposal service, or bury deep in the soil if practical and regulations allow. If the infestation is detected early, you may solve the problem.
- At the time of purchase, carefully examine foods such as pancake flour, flour, cornmeal, raisins, dry dog and cat food, old tobacco, ginger, dates, red pepper, rice, and macaroni. Check the packaging date to establish freshness. Examine broken and damaged packages and boxes to avoid bringing these stored-product pests accidentally into the home. Purchase seldom-used foods in small quantities to prevent storage periods of one month or more, especially during the warm summer months. Store susceptible foods in insect-proof containers of glass, heavy plastic, or metal, ideally with screw-type lids, or store in a refrigerator or freezer. Use older packages before new ones, avoid spillage in cabinets, and always keep food-storage spaces clean. Properly ventilate the storage area to discourage these moisture-loving pests.
- Lightly infested or suspect foods with questionable infestations can be heated in a shallow pan in the oven at 120 degrees F for 1 hour or at 130 degrees F for 30 minutes; placed in a deep freeze at 0 degrees F for 4 hours; or heated in a microwave oven for 5 minutes. Heat-treat dried fruits or vegetables by placing in a cheesecloth bag and dipping in boiling water for 6 to 10 seconds. Seeds saved for planting may have the germination reduced by super-heating or cooling. Sifting the food material will remove possible insect fragments, and any remaining will not cause harm if consumed. After insects are killed, contaminated food might be used outdoors during the winter months for bird feed.
- Careful sanitation is the best method to avoid stored-product pests. After removing all food, food packages, utensils, dishes, etc. from the cupboard, shelves, or storage area, use a strong suction vacuum cleaner with proper attachments to clean all spilled foods (cornmeal, toaster crumbs, bits of pet food, raisins, etc.) from the cracks and crevices behind and under appliances and furniture. Pull out heavy appliances from the wall and scrub with soap and hot water. The ability of these insects to find a small amount of food is amazing. After shelves are thoroughly dry, cover with clean, fresh paper or foil before replacing with food or cooking utensils.
Protects Your Business And Your Reputation