How to Get Rid of Cigarette Beetles

Confirm you have cigarette beetles

Start by confirming the bug. Cigarette Beetles have a few features that set them apart. Adults measure 2–3 mm (up to about 0.12 in) and are usually brown and red. Look for these features:

• Rounded, humped body with smooth, ungrooved wing covers
• Serrated, saw-like antennae
• Head bent downward so it looks hooded

They are most often confused with drugstore beetle and rice weevil. See the full cigarette beetle profile for side-by-side details.

Why you have cigarette beetles

Cigarette Beetles usually arrive inside a package of food brought home from the store. Once inside, they spread to nearby open or poorly sealed products. Long-stored items such as spices, flour, birdseed and pet food are the most common sources. They are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter, so expect to see more of them then.

When you'll see cigarette beetles

Cigarette Beetles are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings. In winter, activity continues mainly indoors in heated spaces.

Typical places to check: pantry or stored food and kitchen.

Step-by-step: getting rid of cigarette beetles

Step 1: Locate the source product

Locate the source product, often spices, paprika or pet food. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.

Step 2: Freeze small suspect items for four days to kill all life stages

Freeze small suspect items for four days to kill all life stages. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.

Step 3: Keep dried goods in sealed containers

Keep dried goods in sealed containers and rotate stock. Repeat this for at least two to three weeks, since eggs and hidden insects keep appearing for a while.

Natural and low-toxicity options

These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:

• Freeze small suspect items at 0°F (-18°C) for at least four days.
• Vacuum shelf corners and cracks, then wipe them with soapy water.
• Use pheromone or sticky traps to watch for new activity.
• Skip insecticide sprays in food cabinets; cleaning works better and is safer.

If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.

When to call a professional

Pantry pests rarely need a professional. Call one only if activity continues after you have removed every source, or if the problem is in a commercial kitchen or warehouse.

How to keep cigarette beetles from coming back

• Inspect packages for holes, webbing or live insects before buying.
• Store flour, grains, cereals, nuts and pet food in airtight containers.
• Use older products first and don't keep dry goods for years.
• Clean up spills promptly, including under appliances.

Safety notes

Cigarette beetles do not bite; they contaminate and damage stored products.

Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.

About beetles

The cigarette beetle is one of the beetles. Beetles go through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (grub), pupa and adult. The larval stage often does the most feeding and damage, and it can last from a few weeks to several years depending on the species. Adults protect their flight wings under hard wing covers called elytra, which is why most beetles look armored and meet in a neat line down the back.

Look closely at larvae as well as adults. Grubs in soil, fuzzy larvae in closets and small worms in flour are all beetle larvae, and finding them tells you where the problem is centered.

Frequently asked questions