Carpet Beetle Infestations

Cigarette beetles are small (1/16-1/8 inch) stored product pests, attracted to pantries and cupboards where they lay eggs directly on or near dried foodstuffs to ensure the larva will have food to survive. Cigarette beetles can enter homes through windows and doors from outside or even be brought home in infested products from the store. Cigarette beetles often develop in foods that are not used, well-hidden and rarely opened to inspect for damage.

Cigarette beetles will eat tobacco, cereal, beans, spices, rice, dried fruits, flowers, grain and animal-based products. If cigarette beetles have invaded your home you will more than likely see the brown-colored beetles flying around it, especially in the early evening hours. You may also start to find holes in food packaging and there may be debris coming out of the holes from where the larvae are feeding.