The list of Florida’s invasive species goes beyond reptiles and plants. Many insects and rodents we consider household pests are also invasive species. These insects and rodents that invade households cost U.S. homeowners billions of dollars in damages and thousands of dollars a year in pest control products and services. Once invasive species establish, they [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_35367" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-35367" style="width: 317px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class=" wp-image-35367" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2023/02/William-Kern--229x300.jpg" alt="" width="317" height="415" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-35367" class="wp-caption-text">William Kern at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC).</figcaption></figure>
The list of Florida’s invasive species goes beyond reptiles and plants. Many insects and rodents we consider household pests are also invasive species.
These insects and rodents that invade households cost U.S. homeowners billions of dollars in damages and thousands of dollars a year in pest control products and services. Once invasive species establish, they become persistent and expensive problems – invasive insects and rodents are no exception.
“Invasive pests like roof rats, Norway rats, house mice, house sparrows and European starlings possess traits that have allowed them to coexist with humans over the last thousand to tens of thousands of years,” said <a href="https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/dr-william-kern/">William Kern</a>, an associate professor in the department of entomology and nematology at <a href="https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/">UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center</a> (UF/IFAS FLREC).
The indoor environment is not conducive to most native Florida insects, he said. “It is too dry for them,” he explains. “However, invasive species can tolerate these dry conditions and become household pests.”
Kern describes eight of the more voracious offenders, where to find them and how to keep them from taking a bite out of your household budget.
Termites: 
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN236">West Indian Drywood termites (WIDT)</a>
This drywood termite originated in the Atacama Desert of western Chile and then spread widely by ships throughout the Caribbean and beyond. It is currently found throughout Florida, although more commonly near the coasts.
“Like all drywood termites, the species produces hard fecal pellets and not powdery frass like beetles. Pellets are the most common evidence of an infestation during the non-swarming season,” said Kern.
Florida has 60,000-70,000 fumigations performed each year, and an estimated 98% of those fumigations are for drywood termites. With an average cost of $2,000 per fumigation, Floridians spend an estimated $91 million to fumigate structures for WIDT every year, said Kern.
While <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN236">treatment options</a> vary, FLREC entomologists suggest visual inspections as a proactive approach.
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG064">Formosan Subterranean termites: </a> 
Florida has two invasive subterranean termites from East Asia: the more temperate Formosan subterranean termite and the more tropical Asian subterranean termite. Both are aggressive foragers and very destructive. They have large colonies and consume a lot of wood in a short period of time.
<a href="https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/dr-thomas-chouvenc/">Thomas Chouvenc</a>, assistant professor of urban entomology at UF/IFAS FLREC, estimates that Formosan Subterranean termites cost Floridians $500 million to $1 billion each year. According to the National Pest Management Association, the national average repair cost for termite damages is around $2,500. In areas of established Formosan termite populations, like the Southeast, the average is much higher at $7,500. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services estimates the average cost of repair to a single-family home from Formosan Subterranean termites is about $10,000, with severe damage scenarios costing $40,000 to $60,000.
There are numerous ways to <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG064">proactively reduce the risk of a household infestation</a> by Formosan and other subterranean termites that include carefully inspecting wooden items for termites before buying them and bringing them onto your property, and removing wooden items such as planters, tubs, trellises and firewood in bare ground and near your home.
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN285">Asian Subterranean termites:</a>
This is the tropical relative of the Formosan subterranean termite. It originated in Southeast Asia and is widespread in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and was first identified in Florida in 1996.  Its rapid spread in southeast Florida and its aggressive foraging makes it a greater threat to tropical and subtropical Florida than the Formosan. It is currently limited to Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, where resident spend $25 to $50 million per year on prevention, control, and repairs related to the termite.
 
Roof Rats:
In Florida, the <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/DH044">roof rat</a> is the primary suburban pest rat, though it often goes unnoticed. The species first made its way to the Americas in the 1600s on the ships of colonists. Roof rats can spread rat lung worm, leptospirosis, salmonella and murine typhus. They consume and destroy stored animal and human food, attack fruit crops, and take up residence in attics, soffits, hollow walls and outdoor buildings. When they invade buildings, they chew through wires that can potentially start fires, gnaw through plastic and lead water pipes, make holes in walls and cause other structural damage.
Also called the black rat, citrus rat, fruit rat, palm rat, and ship rat, roof rats originated in southern Asia and were transported by people wherever traders went.
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/DH044">Rodent control</a> may require minor structural changes to prevent entry through small openings, added sanitation measures, use of traps and more.
 
<figure id="attachment_35359" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-35359" style="width: 363px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-35359" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2023/02/Norway-rat-Photo-Courtesy-UFIFAS-photography.jpg" alt="" width="363" height="293" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-35359" class="wp-caption-text">Norway rat, also referred to as sewer rats, are most commonly found along coasts and canals. Photo courtesy UFIFAS</figcaption></figure>
Norway Rats:
Known as the <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/DH044">brown rat, sewer rat or the subway rat</a>, they are the dominant urban, suburban and rural rat in most of Europe and North America. They seemed to have reached North America in between 1860-1880 and are most commonly found along coasts and canals. They thrive particularly in areas where garbage is not stored properly. In Florida, Norway rats are generally found in urban centers and agricultural areas.
“Norway rats are not reservoirs or sources major plagues, but they can be a source of murine or endemic typhus (Rickettsia typhi). They can also be a source of the Seoul hantavirus, leptospirosis, rat bite fever and salmonella,” said Kern.
House mice:
This rodent occasionally invades structures in wooded areas in the fall and can be easily identified by their white belly and the white underside of their tail. House mice damage to household food and materials is one source of expense, but the damage caused by gnawed wires and cables are in fact a greater cost to property owners. House mice are the reservoir for rickettsia pox and leptospirosis.
 
German cockroaches:
Sometimes referred to as croton bugs, <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN028">German cockroaches</a> are not native to North America and never occur outside of man-made structures, said Kern. They are thought to have originated in dry caves in southwest Asia and began living with people while they still lived in those caves.
If you see a similar cockroach living outside, it is another invasive species known as the Asian cockroach, which cannot survive indoors.
“It is the most serious structure invading cockroach of apartment buildings, condominiums, dormitories, restaurants, grocery stores, hotels and motels, and single-family homes,” said Kern. “They are always brought into structures by people in boxes or even backpacks and purses, from previously infested residences.”
“Most people are unaware that the German cockroach is not originally from Germany, but the first specimen to reach the famous naturalist Carl von Linn likely, was collected in Germany after its invasion into Europe,” said Kern.
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IG082">Pest control</a> for invasive species of cockroaches requires an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. Chemical use alone is the least effective control method. Using chemicals alone can result in insecticide resistance and, ultimately, very poor control.
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN298">American cockroaches</a>:
These are the large cockroaches that many people erroneously call “palmetto bugs” and one of several large invasive cockroaches that occur in Florida and are found both indoors and outdoors.
All originated in Africa, and they include the American, Brown, Australian ad Smokey Brown cockroaches. These moisture-loving species usually live in sewers and septic systems and invade structures by coming up through unscreened drains, including sink and tub overflow drains. Most infestations are limited and controlled by appropriate baits. Severe infestations can result from broken drainpipes or plumbing renovations that were left uncapped inside walls voids.
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/?p=35393&amp;preview=true">Para accesar a esta comunicación en español, por favor utilice este enlace </a>
#
By Lourdes Mederos, <a href="mailto:rodriguezl@ufl.edu">rodriguezl@ufl.edu</a>
&nbsp;
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>

William Kern at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC).
The list of Florida’s invasive species goes beyond reptiles and plants. Many insects and rodents we consider household pests are also invasive species.
These insects and rodents that invade households cost U.S. homeowners billions of dollars in damages and thousands of dollars a year in pest control products and services. Once invasive species establish, they become persistent and expensive problems – invasive insects and rodents are no exception.
“Invasive pests like roof rats, Norway rats, house mice, house sparrows and European starlings possess traits that have allowed them to coexist with humans over the last thousand to tens of thousands of years,” said William Kern, an associate professor in the department of entomology and nematology at UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (UF/IFAS FLREC).
The indoor environment is not conducive to most native Florida insects, he said. “It is too dry for them,” he explains. “However, invasive species can tolerate these dry conditions and become household pests.”
Kern describes eight of the more voracious offenders, where to find them and how to keep them from taking a bite out of your household budget.
Termites: 
West Indian Drywood termites (WIDT)
This drywood termite originated in the Atacama Desert of western Chile and then spread widely by ships throughout the Caribbean and beyond. It is currently found throughout Florida, although more commonly near the coasts.
“Like all drywood termites, the species produces hard fecal pellets and not powdery frass like beetles. Pellets are the most common evidence of an infestation during the non-swarming season,” said Kern.
Florida has 60,000-70,000 fumigations performed each year, and an estimated 98% of those fumigations are for drywood termites. With an average cost of $2,000 per fumigation, Floridians spend an estimated $91 million to fumigate structures for WIDT every year, said Kern.
While treatment options vary, FLREC entomologists suggest visual inspections as a proactive approach.
Formosan Subterranean termites:  
Florida has two invasive subterranean termites from East Asia: the more temperate Formosan subterranean termite and the more tropical Asian subterranean termite. Both are aggressive foragers and very destructive. They have large colonies and consume a lot of wood in a short period of time.
Thomas Chouvenc, assistant professor of urban entomology at UF/IFAS FLREC, estimates that Formosan Subterranean termites cost Floridians $500 million to $1 billion each year. According to the National Pest Management Association, the national average repair cost for termite damages is around $2,500. In areas of established Formosan termite populations, like the Southeast, the average is much higher at $7,500. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services estimates the average cost of repair to a single-family home from Formosan Subterranean termites is about $10,000, with severe damage scenarios costing $40,000 to $60,000.
There are numerous ways to proactively reduce the risk of a household infestation by Formosan and other subterranean termites that include carefully inspecting wooden items for termites before buying them and bringing them onto your property, and removing wooden items such as planters, tubs, trellises and firewood in bare ground and near your home.
Asian Subterranean termites:
This is the tropical relative of the Formosan subterranean termite. It originated in Southeast Asia and is widespread in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and was first identified in Florida in 1996.  Its rapid spread in southeast Florida and its aggressive foraging makes it a greater threat to tropical and subtropical Florida than the Formosan. It is currently limited to Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, where resident spend $25 to $50 million per year on prevention, control, and repairs related to the termite.
 
Roof Rats:
In Florida, the roof rat is the primary suburban pest rat, though it often goes unnoticed. The species first made its way to the Americas in the 1600s on the ships of colonists. Roof rats can spread rat lung worm, leptospirosis, salmonella and murine typhus. They consume and destroy stored animal and human food, attack fruit crops, and take up residence in attics, soffits, hollow walls and outdoor buildings. When they invade buildings, they chew through wires that can potentially start fires, gnaw through plastic and lead water pipes, make holes in walls and cause other structural damage.
Also called the black rat, citrus rat, fruit rat, palm rat, and ship rat, roof rats originated in southern Asia and were transported by people wherever traders went.
Rodent control may require minor structural changes to prevent entry through small openings, added sanitation measures, use of traps and more.
 
Norway rat, also referred to as sewer rats, are most commonly found along coasts and canals. Photo courtesy UFIFAS
Norway Rats:
Known as the brown rat, sewer rat or the subway rat, they are the dominant urban, suburban and rural rat in most of Europe and North America. They seemed to have reached North America in between 1860-1880 and are most commonly found along coasts and canals. They thrive particularly in areas where garbage is not stored properly. In Florida, Norway rats are generally found in urban centers and agricultural areas.
“Norway rats are not reservoirs or sources major plagues, but they can be a source of murine or endemic typhus (Rickettsia typhi). They can also be a source of the Seoul hantavirus, leptospirosis, rat bite fever and salmonella,” said Kern.
House mice:
This rodent occasionally invades structures in wooded areas in the fall and can be easily identified by their white belly and the white underside of their tail. House mice damage to household food and materials is one source of expense, but the damage caused by gnawed wires and cables are in fact a greater cost to property owners. House mice are the reservoir for rickettsia pox and leptospirosis.
 
German cockroaches:
Sometimes referred to as croton bugs, German cockroaches are not native to North America and never occur outside of man-made structures, said Kern. They are thought to have originated in dry caves in southwest Asia and began living with people while they still lived in those caves.
If you see a similar cockroach living outside, it is another invasive species known as the Asian cockroach, which cannot survive indoors.
“It is the most serious structure invading cockroach of apartment buildings, condominiums, dormitories, restaurants, grocery stores, hotels and motels, and single-family homes,” said Kern. “They are always brought into structures by people in boxes or even backpacks and purses, from previously infested residences.”
“Most people are unaware that the German cockroach is not originally from Germany, but the first specimen to reach the famous naturalist Carl von Linn likely, was collected in Germany after its invasion into Europe,” said Kern.
Pest control for invasive species of cockroaches requires an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. Chemical use alone is the least effective control method. Using chemicals alone can result in insecticide resistance and, ultimately, very poor control.
American cockroaches:
These are the large cockroaches that many people erroneously call “palmetto bugs” and one of several large invasive cockroaches that occur in Florida and are found both indoors and outdoors.
All originated in Africa, and they include the American, Brown, Australian ad Smokey Brown cockroaches. These moisture-loving species usually live in sewers and septic systems and invade structures by coming up through unscreened drains, including sink and tub overflow drains. Most infestations are limited and controlled by appropriate baits. Severe infestations can result from broken drainpipes or plumbing renovations that were left uncapped inside walls voids.
Para accesar a esta comunicación en español, por favor utilice este enlace 
#
By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
 
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS

The list of Florida’s invasive species goes beyond reptiles and plants. Many insects and rodents we consider household pests are also invasive species. These insects and rodents that invade households cost U.S. homeowners billions of dollars in damages and thousands of dollars a year in pest control products and services. Once invasive species establish, they […]

UF/IFAS entomologist lists top eight invasive species that invade households and empty wallets

We receive many calls from homeowners having issues with worm-like, several inch long critters that turn out to be millipedes. Millipede populations periodically congregate as they migrate to other sites – maybe your lanai or garage. In this millipede story, there is mostly good news to report. Millipedes are not to be confused with predatory [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_7027" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7027" style="width: 260px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-7027" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/files/2022/08/IMG_4497-240x300.jpg" alt="A close up image of three dark orange millipedes" width="260" height="325" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-7027" class="wp-caption-text">The Rusty Millipede, Trigoniulus corallinus</figcaption></figure>
We receive many calls from homeowners having issues with worm-like, several inch long critters that turn out to be millipedes. Millipede populations periodically congregate as they migrate to other sites – maybe your lanai or garage. In this millipede story, there is mostly good news to report.
Millipedes are not to be confused with predatory centipedes but are harmless arthropods which consume organic matter.  Each segment of their body contains four legs which work in unison to propel these creatures forward. They are practically everywhere outside in mulch, leaf litter and forest floors. Compost heaps are common environments for these active munchers. They are essential organisms which help breakdown large amounts of organic matter into smaller particles to the benefit of the soil.
So, we know that they are beneficial and harmless, but they can also be a nuisance. During certain months, millipedes emerge in large numbers. Those who study millipedes do not know why, but at times they migrate in mass. It may be that the rains of summer cause them to move to higher ground. In dryer times, migration could also be triggered from lack of moisture as they search for humid environments. And once they move to higher ground, they climb up walls, enter garages and lanais. I have seen cases where they come in through small gaps under doors, climb up the walls and then head for the light fixtures where they eventually die. They cannot tolerate a dry environment for long. Unfortunately, not many predators like to eat millipedes as they produce irritating chemicals which ward off would-be natural enemies.
<figure id="attachment_7029" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7029" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-7029" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/files/2022/08/IMG_4511-300x240.jpg" alt="A close up image of a dark orange millipede" width="310" height="248" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-7029" class="wp-caption-text">Somewhat creepy, but harmless, the millipede</figcaption></figure>
Now throw into the mix two newer invasive millipedes – the yellow-banded and the rusty millipede – and you could have a formula for a millipede “apocalypse” in some areas. So, what are we to do with these harmless detritus eaters? Culturally, you can look at mechanical techniques for exclusion. Check doors for gaps and seal up any opening that may allow entry. There are a number of perimeter pesticides that have millipedes on the label which can be used when applied around the outside of the house. This will be a temporary measure and may have to be retreated according to the label directions.
Millipedes have more good characteristics than bad. Yes, they can be a nuisance, but count your blessings – they do not bite, sting, transmit disease, damage wood, food or clothing!  For more information on all types of household pests found in our area, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer.  Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension &#8211; Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or <a href="mailto:ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov">ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov</a>.  Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyExtension">@CharlotteCountyExtension</a> and follow us on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ifascharco/">@ifascharco</a> .
Resources: 
Koehler P. G., Pereira, R. M. &amp; Allen, R. A. (2022) Pillbugs, Sowbugs, Centipedes, Millipedes, and Earwigs.  The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS. 
Schall, B. (2015) Millipede Invasion! The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS – Palm Beach County 
What’s That Bug? (2010) Rusty Millipede.  <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2010/11/10/rusty-millipede/">https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2010/11/10/rusty-millipede/</a> 
Shearer, L. (2018) Collier homeowners deal with millipede invasion.  Naples Daily News.

The Rusty Millipede, Trigoniulus corallinus
We receive many calls from homeowners having issues with worm-like, several inch long critters that turn out to be millipedes. Millipede populations periodically congregate as they migrate to other sites – maybe your lanai or garage. In this millipede story, there is mostly good news to report.
Millipedes are not to be confused with predatory centipedes but are harmless arthropods which consume organic matter.  Each segment of their body contains four legs which work in unison to propel these creatures forward. They are practically everywhere outside in mulch, leaf litter and forest floors. Compost heaps are common environments for these active munchers. They are essential organisms which help breakdown large amounts of organic matter into smaller particles to the benefit of the soil.
So, we know that they are beneficial and harmless, but they can also be a nuisance. During certain months, millipedes emerge in large numbers. Those who study millipedes do not know why, but at times they migrate in mass. It may be that the rains of summer cause them to move to higher ground. In dryer times, migration could also be triggered from lack of moisture as they search for humid environments. And once they move to higher ground, they climb up walls, enter garages and lanais. I have seen cases where they come in through small gaps under doors, climb up the walls and then head for the light fixtures where they eventually die. They cannot tolerate a dry environment for long. Unfortunately, not many predators like to eat millipedes as they produce irritating chemicals which ward off would-be natural enemies.
Somewhat creepy, but harmless, the millipede
Now throw into the mix two newer invasive millipedes – the yellow-banded and the rusty millipede – and you could have a formula for a millipede “apocalypse” in some areas. So, what are we to do with these harmless detritus eaters? Culturally, you can look at mechanical techniques for exclusion. Check doors for gaps and seal up any opening that may allow entry. There are a number of perimeter pesticides that have millipedes on the label which can be used when applied around the outside of the house. This will be a temporary measure and may have to be retreated according to the label directions.
Millipedes have more good characteristics than bad. Yes, they can be a nuisance, but count your blessings – they do not bite, sting, transmit disease, damage wood, food or clothing!  For more information on all types of household pests found in our area, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer.  Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension – Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov.  Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco .
Resources:
https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2010/11/10/rusty-millipede/
Shearer, L. (2018) Collier homeowners deal with millipede invasion.  Naples Daily News.

We receive many calls from homeowners having issues with worm-like, several inch long critters that turn out to be millipedes. Millipede populations periodically congregate as they migrate to other sites – maybe your lanai or garage. In this millipede story, there is mostly good news to report. Millipedes are not to be confused with predatory […]

Once upon a millipede

By Ralph E. Mitchell While I often write about plants and pests outside the house, on occasion I also like to talk about common household pests that many of you may be dealing with – both seen and unseen. One such critter to inspect for is the cigarette beetle. Named after its fondness of stored [&#8230;]

By Ralph E. Mitchell
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-5303 alignright lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="347" height="432" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/files/2020/02/Still005-820x1024.jpg">While I often write about plants and pests outside the house, on occasion I also like to talk about common household pests that many of you may be dealing with – both seen and unseen. One such critter to inspect for is the cigarette beetle. Named after its fondness of stored tobacco, this beetle was also found in dried resin from King Tut’s tomb! But besides these food items, cigarette beetles get into a wide range of stored organic materials.
Cigarette beetles are minute insects about one-eighth-of-an-inch in length and reddish-brown in color. Rounded to oval in shape, adults will fly about from dusk on through the night in illuminated areas, but prefer to hide in dark nooks. A cigarette beetle life cycle is completed in forty to ninety days. Adult females will lay up to one-hundred eggs which hatch within ten days. The tiny, slightly fuzzy white larvae then take up to ten weeks to mature and pupate.
So, besides tobacco, what else do cigarette beetles like to eat? Keeping in mind that adult cigarette beetles can only consume liquids, and the larvae are the main chewers, their list of food stuffs sufficient to keep them alive is expansive and variable. For instance, they like any variety of flours, cereals, cocoa, coffee beans, herbs, spices, nuts, and rice – they can actually chew through carboard box to get to it! They also like dried fruits such as dates and raisins as well as dry dog food. Cigarette beetles are survivors and they also like things you would never consider “edible” such as dried plants, dried floral arrangements, potpourri, decorative grapevine wreaths, prescription drugs and pills, medicinal herbs, furniture stuffing, papier-mâché, and bookbinding paste. The cigarette beetle uses symbiotic yeasts to digest items of such low nutritional value.
Almost all homes could experience this insect from time to time. Chemical control is often not practical and cultural controls really work the best. Accidental introductions are common and once you notice an infestation, clean-up is first on the agenda. Inspect stored products and clean up spilled flour and crumbs. Vacuum and clean as needed and store dry food products in airtight containers. The future use of see-through containers makes it easier to check for infestations. Items can be cold or heat-treated as a preventative measure or to stop unseen infestations.
Bottom-line, monitoring, finding and disposing of infestations while they are small, and using insect-proof containers is the way to go to keep all types of stored products pests, including cigarette beetles, from making a mess and causing disgust. Infestations are generally easy to care for and prevent! For more information on all types of household pests and their control, please call our Master Gardener volunteers on the Plant Lifeline on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Just as a reminder, our new office is located at the North Charlotte Regional Park at 1120 O’Donnell Blvd, Port Charlotte FL 33953. The Plant Lifeline is now open at our new site. Our phone numbers and email addresses continue to remain the same. Don&#8217;t forget to visit our other County Plant Clinics in the area. Please check this link for a complete list of site locations, dates and times &#8211; https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/charlotte/docs/pdf/Plant-Clinics-Schedule1.pdf. Our Eastport Environmental Demonstration Garden is always open to the public outside the gate at 25550 Harbor View Road and will continue to be in operation. Master Gardener volunteers tend this garden on Tuesday mornings from 8 to 10 am and are available for questions. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for the UF/IFAS Charlotte County Extension Service. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov.
Resource: 
Cabrera, B. J. (2017) cigarette beetle. Featured Creatures – The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.

By Ralph E. Mitchell
While I often write about plants and pests outside the house, on occasion I also like to talk about common household pests that many of you may be dealing with – both seen and unseen.  One such critter to inspect for is the cigarette beetle.  Named after its fondness of stored tobacco, this beetle was also found in dried resin from King Tut’s tomb!  But besides these food items, cigarette beetles get into a wide range of stored organic materials.
Cigarette beetles are minute insects about one-eighth-of-an-inch in length and reddish-brown in color.  Rounded to oval in shape,  adults will fly about from dusk on through the night in illuminated areas, but prefer to hide in dark nooks.  A cigarette beetle life cycle is completed in forty to ninety days.  Adult females will lay up to one-hundred eggs which hatch within ten days.  The tiny, slightly fuzzy white larvae then take up to ten weeks to mature and pupate.
So, besides tobacco, what else do cigarette beetles like to eat?  Keeping in mind that adult cigarette beetles can only consume liquids, and the larvae are the main chewers, their list of food stuffs sufficient to keep them alive is expansive and variable.  For instance, they like any variety of flours, cereals, cocoa, coffee beans, herbs, spices, nuts, and rice – they can actually chew through carboard box to get to it!  They also like  dried fruits such as dates and raisins as well as  dry dog food.  Cigarette beetles are survivors and they also like things you would never consider “edible” such as dried plants, dried floral arrangements, potpourri, decorative grapevine wreaths, prescription drugs and pills, medicinal herbs, furniture stuffing, papier-mâché, and bookbinding paste.  The cigarette beetle uses symbiotic yeasts to digest items of such low nutritional value.
Almost all homes could experience this insect from time to time.  Chemical control is often not practical and cultural controls really work the best.  Accidental introductions are common and once you notice an infestation, clean-up is first on the agenda.  Inspect stored products and clean up spilled flour and crumbs. Vacuum and clean as needed and  store dry food products in airtight containers. The future use of see-through containers makes it easier to check for infestations.  Items can be cold or heat-treated as a preventative measure or to stop unseen infestations.
Bottom-line, monitoring, finding and disposing of infestations while they are small, and using insect-proof containers is the way to go to keep all types of stored products pests, including cigarette beetles, from making a mess and causing disgust.  Infestations are generally easy to care for and prevent!  For more information on all types of household pests and their control, please call our Master Gardener volunteers on the Plant Lifeline on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer.  Just as a reminder, our new office is located at the North Charlotte Regional Park at 1120 O’Donnell Blvd, Port Charlotte FL 33953. The Plant Lifeline is now open at our new site.    Our phone numbers and email addresses continue to remain the same.  Don’t forget to visit our other County Plant Clinics in the area.  Please check this link for a complete list of site locations, dates and times – https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/charlotte/docs/pdf/Plant-Clinics-Schedule1.pdf. Our Eastport Environmental Demonstration Garden is always open to the public outside the gate at 25550 Harbor View Road and will continue to be in operation.  Master Gardener volunteers tend this garden on Tuesday mornings from 8 to 10 am and are available for questions.  Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for the UF/IFAS Charlotte County Extension Service. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov.
Resource:
Cabrera,  B. J. (2017) cigarette beetle.  Featured Creatures – The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.

By Ralph E. Mitchell While I often write about plants and pests outside the house, on occasion I also like to talk about common household pests that many of you may be dealing with – both seen and unseen. One such critter to inspect for is the cigarette beetle. Named after its fondness of stored […]

Cigarette beetles in the house

[<a href="https://lod.nal.usda.gov/nalt/4787">NALT</a>]

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A general term for organisms which may cause illness or damage to humans or to crops, livestock, or materials important to humans. [NALT]
An animal, plant, fungus or other organism that thrives in places where it is not wanted by people, for example in fields, with livestock, in forests or in gardens. [AGROVOC]

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[<a href="http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_1142">AGROVOC</a>] [<a href="https://lod.nal.usda.gov/nalt/15887">NALT</a>]

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