| Scientific name | Lasioderma serricorne |
|---|---|
| Group | Beetles |
| Size | 2–3 mm (up to about 0.12 in) |
| Colors | Brown and Red |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Pantry or stored food and Kitchen |
| Most active | Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The cigarette beetle is a tiny member of the beetles group. Hard wing covers that meet in a straight line down the back. Check for these three features:
- Rounded, humped body with smooth, ungrooved wing covers
- Serrated, saw-like antennae
- Head bent downward so it looks hooded
About this bug
A tiny, humpbacked, reddish-brown beetle that infests tobacco, spices, dried flowers, cereals and pet food. Adults are strong fliers and are often found near windows.
You'll usually find cigarette beetles in pantries and stored food and in the kitchen. They are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter.
Is it dangerous?
Cigarette beetles do not bite; they contaminate and damage stored products.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
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.
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.
What to do about it
- Locate the source product, often spices, paprika or pet food
- Freeze small suspect items for four days to kill all life stages
- Keep dried goods in sealed containers and rotate stock
Read the full guide: how to get rid of cigarette beetles.
Bugs that look similar
Signature feature: Cigarette Beetles: rounded, humped body with smooth, ungrooved wing covers. Drugstore Beetles: oval, reddish-brown body with lengthwise grooves.
Signature feature: Cigarette Beetles: rounded, humped body with smooth, ungrooved wing covers. Rice Weevils: long, narrow snout extending from the head.
Frequently asked questions
What does a cigarette beetle look like?
Rounded, humped body with smooth, ungrooved wing covers. Adults measure 2–3 mm (up to about 0.12 in).
Does the cigarette beetle bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Cigarette beetles do not bite; they contaminate and damage stored products.
Where do cigarette beetles live?
Cigarette Beetles live in pantries and stored food and in the kitchen.
When are cigarette beetles most active?
Mostly in spring, summer, fall and winter.