Lasioderma serricorne (cigarette beetle)

The adult bores small round holes through infested commodities which may beheavily contaminated with dead bodies, frass and pupal cells.

Chemical Control

L. serricorne may be controlled by fumigation treatment with phosphine and good control can be achieved with 60% carbon dioxide when commodities are held in a fumigation chamber at 28-35°C for 5 days (Hashem, 2000). Admixtures of approved grain insecticides, especially organophosphorous compounds, are effective against this pest. Store misting or fogging at times of peak flight activity (dusk and dawn) may be used to destroy the adult population and this method is frequently practised in tobacco warehouses.

An anticoleopteran strain of Bacillus thuringiensis has been tested against L. serricorne and 60-80% mortality achieved within 7 days (Kaelin et al., 1999).

Cultural Control and Sanitary Methods

Good store hygiene plays an important role in limiting infestation by these species. The removal of infested residues from last season's harvest is essential, as is general hygiene in stores such as ensuring that all spillage is removed and cracks and crevices filled.

L. serricorne is most serious as a pest of high-value commodities, e.g. cocoa,tobacco and tobacco products, and processed foods. Holes bored through theproduce and the pupal cells within it are conspicuous forms of damage. It is amajor pest of dried cassava. It is also a minor pest on a wide range ofcommodities.