Description:
About 2.5 mm in length, the adult beetles are oval and covered with small hairs which give them a silky, yellowish-brown colour. Adults are strong fliers and prefer subdued light and temperatures over 65 degrees F.

Biology:
The larval stages of the beetle can feed on a variety of stored products including tobacco, grain, cereal products, ginger, raisins, dates, pepper, dried fish, drugs, and seeds. The female produces about 100 eggs and the entire life cycle can be completed in 45-50 days.

Control:
The first step in control of the tobacco and biscuit beetles is to find the source of the infestation. This means inspecting all of the dried foods in the infested cabinets or drawers. Once the infested material is found, it should be destroyed. Insect Monitors are essential in commercial situations to highlight infestations. Infested commodities can be treated (usually be fumigation) or destroyed, whilst the building fabric can be treated with residual insecticides.

If you have a beetle or insect control issue and you would like to book a visit or speak with someone, get in touch with Pest Pro Freephone: 0800 1971865 or Contact Us