Cigarette Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, specifically pantries, kitchens, warehouses, and storage facilities where dried organic materials are kept.

Diet & Feeding

Stored products including tobacco, dried fruits, flour, cereal, spices, coffee beans, dried flowers, and even book bindings/paper.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are strong fliers and are most active in low light. They go through a complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult) with the damaging larval stage lasting several weeks depending on temperature and food quality.

Risks & Benefits

This is a significant pest of stored goods that can cause extensive economic damage to food and library collections. While they do not bite humans or pets, they contaminate food supplies with larvae and waste, making items unfit for consumption.

Identified on: 6/3/2026