Habitat

Primary pest of leaf tobacco, cigars and cigarettes, although this insect will infest a good many other stored food products also. Widely distributed in the tropics, although infestations in the temperate zones are susceptible to cold conditions.

Biology

Complete metamorphosis life cycle. This species is closely related to woodworm and Biscuit / Drugstore Beetle, all being members of the family Anobiidae. Feeds also on dried vegetable materials including cereals spices and cocoa beans. Ready fliers with relatively high breeding potential.

Lasioderma serricorne

Insecta     Coleoptera    Anobiidae

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Pest Status

Primary pest of tobacco. This pest causes a large degree of economic loss, particularly (although not exclusively) to the Tobacco industry. It is one of the few species of insects which does not find nicotine repellent. Larvae are able to fly and chew through many types of packaging.

Control

A good range of monitoring products are available for L. serricorne. Freezing commodities and controlling the atmosphere with increased levels of Carbon Dioxide has been shown to offer useable levels of control. Periodic space treatments with Fog or ULV spraying may be necessary as may be Fumigation, where applicable.