Miscellaneous Food-Infesting Beetles, Cigarette, Drugstore and Spider Beetles
Both the cigarette beetle, and drugstore beetle,
are small (3mm or 1/3 inch), brownish-red, convex
beetles that infest many types of dried plant and
animal materials. They can be found in red pepper,
paprika and other spices, drugs tobacco, teas, and
other dried foods (dried beans, coffee beans, flour,
dates, biscuits, peanuts, meal, breakfast cereals, and
dry dog food). They also can feed on wool hair, leather,
horn, paper, and museum specimens. The larvae are whitish
C-shaped grubs with well-developed legs. The larvae can
bore into packages to find food. The products, or in the
case of the cigarette beetle (which can fly) at lights
and windows. The entire life cycle, from egg to adult,
takes about 7 months. There may be one to four
generations per year.
The spider beetles are appropriately named. They
attract attention because of their peculiar, spider-
like form (long spindly legs and antennae, and globose
body). They occasionally infest stored products; both
the larvae and adults are active feeders. They feed on a
variety of plant and animal products and have been known
to attack flour, feeds, cereals, grains, seeds, dried
fruits, meats, wool, hair and miscellaneous foodstuffs.
Most spider beetles have two or three generations per
year.
Integrated Household Beetle Management
Purchase susceptible foodstuffs in quantities that
can be used in a short time: 2-4 months, if possible.
When purchasing packaged food, be certain the containers
are not broken or unsealed and that there are no signs of
infestation. Check the packages for freshness dates. Once
the food is in the home, use older packages before newer
ones, and opened ones before unopened ones. Storing died
foods in a freezer will prevent insect development. Keep
food storage and preparation areas clean at all times;
spilled and exposed food attracts insects.
Control of both of these pests is fairly easy, once
the source of infestation is found. Disposal of the
infested foodstuffs or other items, with a thorough
clean-up is usually all that is required for control.
For a complete listing of suggested control options
for all home, yard and garden insect pests contact your
local Extension Service, found under local government in
the phone book.
Read and follow instructions on the pesticide label.
Heed all warnings. Check with your physician if you have
any concerns regarding your personal health risk.