Latin: Lasioderma serricorne
Today we know a variety of different beetles, that are known as pests. Among those is the tobacco beetle, also known as Lasioderma serricorne in Latin. This beetle resides in more tropical and subtropical environments. The small beetle is often compared to the bread beetle, but the Tobacco beetle has serrated feelers.
Appearance
Basically, a tobacco beetle is a small beetle species belonging to the woodboring beetles also know as Anobiidae. The size of the tobacco beetle is around 2-3 mm and a full-grown beetle can measure up to 4 mm. Therefore, we are talking about a very small beetle, that is difficult to spot.
The tobacco beetle has a light brown color at the front and shield as well as long light brown hairs that are most evident on its legs. Its head is hidden under the neck shield.
Biology and behavior
The tobacco beetle thrives in a tropical or subtropical environment, and it is not a species what is particularly widespread in Denmark. It will often be found in climates with high humidity and high temperatures, but it can still live indoors in Denmark. In Denmark it will get enough heat because of the high temperatures inside. The tobacco beetle belongs to the family of beetles (Anobiidea), and in the subfamily wood beetles (Xyletininae).
The typical lifespan of an adult tobacco beetle is about one month, during which time the females can lay 30-40 eggs. Under favorable conditions, the female can lay up to 100 eggs, and the beetle can therefore spread quickly. The tobacco beetle can fly, and especially at temperatures above 18 degrees with dim light.
At 25 degrees, the development from egg to adult takes about two months. At 30 degrees and a humidity of 78% it takes 53 days. If the temperature falls below 20 degrees, the development stops, and if it falls below 7 degrees, the beetles will die.
Damage
This beetles name is based on their damaging effect. The special thing about the beetle is that it is known to be a typical pest in various types of tobacco, but in general, both larvae and beetles can live on both plant, animal and dried food stuff. Some of the most typical food stuff will be rice, plants, dates, as well as different types of dried fruit. In addition, the tobacco beetle is a pest, that in rare cases can damage books and furniture.
Prevention and pest control
The tobacco beetle can be extremely difficult to control. If you have identified this type of pest in your home, it is necessary to discharge all food items that are infested with tobacco beetles. Otherwise, food stuff can be frozen at -18 degrees for 72 hours or heated to a minimum of 60 degrees to kill the pests. After having discharged or treated the food stuff, it is necessary to thoroughly clean all cabinets and drawers, also those that have not been infested with the pest, as this helps reduce the risk of another attack.
If you need further control, you should use an insecticide or get help from a professional pest control company. It is important to pay attention to the fact that not all insecticides can be used in areas where food is stored. A professional pest controller should be aware that the Tobacco Beetle is partially resistant to permethrin.
Even if you control an attack, there may be several attacks over a longer period. It is necessary that you store all food in airtight containers that make it difficult for the tobacco beetle to enter. In addition, you should make sure that your food is stored at max. 15 degrees.
In a food warehouse, it is possible to take advantage of the fact that the development of the tobacco beetle stops at 20 degrees. All live beetles will simultaneously die after 15 days at 0 degrees, seven days at 4 degrees or a single day at -12 degrees.
"Pests in House and Home"
"Bed Bugs - Bites, Stings and Itches"
"Food Pests"
"Husets dyreliv" (Insects Around the House - Only danish)
"Skadedyr i træ" (Timber Pests - Only danish)
"Stuefluen" (Common Housefly - Only danish)