The Tobacco Beetle & Biscuit Beetle are closely related and very similar in appearance and biology.The adult Tobacco Beetle is around 2.5mm long and oval in shape. The Tobacco Beetle is covered in small hairs which give it a silky, yellow/brown colour. Strong in flight, the Tobacco Beetle prefers to dwell in subdued light conditions with average temperatures over 65 degrees Fahrenheit.Adult Biscuit Beetles are around 2 – 3mm in length and light brown to red brown in colour. The body of Biscuit Beetles are covered with fine silky hairs and they have distinctive grooves along their wing casings. It is these grooves which easily differentiate Biscuit Beetles from the Tobacco Beetle. Biscuit Beetles also have antenna that end in three enlarged segments.

The Tobacco Beetle and the Biscuit Beetle have very similar biology. The larvae feed on a variety of stored products such as tobacco, grain, cereal products, ginger, raisins, dates, pepper, dried fish, pharmaceuticals and seeds. The female lays about 100 eggs after mating and the life cycle can be completed in 45-50 days.

Before treatment can begin to deal with an infestation by either the Tobacco Beetle or Biscuit Beetle, the first step is to trace the source of infestation. This means a detailed inspection of stored dried food products. Once the source of the infestation is found, the infested material should be destroyed. Where necessary the building fabric can be treated using a residual insecticide however areas should be closely monitored by regular inspection and by the use of insect monitors.

For more information on Pest Control by Protectahome and associated services we provide, please see our Case Studies or to speak to our Pest Control Department please Contact Us on 0800 055 6966 or alternatively email us via pestcontrol@protectahome.co.uk