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.
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 also includes beetles that damage wood such as powderpost beetles. Both beetles are similar in size and color at about 1/8″ long and light brown to reddish brown 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.
