Flying Beetles on Windowsills: Cigarette or Drugstore Beetles from Stored Food

The insects—small, brown, flying, accumulating on white windowsills and laundry room floor—are cigarette beetles (Lasioderma serricorne) or drugstore beetles (Stegobium paniceum). Both are 2–3 mm, humpbacked, and fly to light.

Source & Control

• Infest stored dry goods: flour, spices, pasta, cereal, pet food, birdseed, tobacco, dried flowers, potpourri, medications.
• Check all cabinets, pantry, garage, basement—even unopened packages.
• Discard infested items. Freeze questionable ones 4 days at 0°F.
• Vacuum shelves, cracks. Wipe with vinegar water. Store kept goods in airtight containers.
• No insecticide needed. Pheromone traps (for monitoring) are optional.

They don't bite, sting, or damage structures. The infestation is food-source limited. Find the source, clean, and they'll disappear.