Cigarette Beetle – Control

Q: My kitchen has been invaded by tiny little brownish-black bugs. They have a hard shell that “crunches” when you smash them. They get in cereal, baking goods, etc. They also get into the dog treats and can leave one of those looking real “holey”. What do I need to do to get rid of them?

A: The bugs are probably cigarette beetles or drugstore beetles. They are a common pest of dog food and can move from there to your kitchen. Here is a five-step strategy for fighting them:

1. Remove all food and containers from your pantry. Wipe down each shelf with soapy water to remove food debris. Use a tube of bathroom sealing caulk to seal all cracks at the edges of shelves, top and bottom.

2. Purchase a product called