General
The adult beetle is 2mm-3mm in length, reddish brown and has a domed ovoid shape. The head is hidden under a hood-like pro thorax. Easily mistaken for the common furniture beetle or the biscuit beetle. Seek professional help for accurate identification.

Significance
They are a serious pest of curing or stored tobacco. They also attack a wide range of stored products e.g. rice, ginger, dried fruit, pepper, cocoa, books, dried flowers, upholstered furniture and even star fish. It is regularly imported into the UK. It is a serious pest of cocoa beans in West Africa.

Control
Infested commodities should be isolated and destroyed, or failing this fumigated.
The structure and fittings of the infested area should be treated with a residual insecticide. This treatment may be supplemented with the use of an ultra-low volume insecticide application. Professional help may be required.

Number of days spent as: