Insects Tobacco moths and the cigarette beetle , commonly attack tobacco stored on the farm. Of these the tobacco moth is most serious. They burrow into and form ragged holes in the cured leaves. Entire leaves may be consumed except for the midrib and large veins. The larvae also deposit webbing and fecal pellets on the infested tobacco.
Adults leave tiny holes as they emerge from pupae cases within the tobacco.
They leave behind powdery waste which can give tobacco an unpleasant flavor. Control of Insects in Stored Tobacco Control of established infestations is difficult, so prevention is very important. The most important step in prevention is sanitation. Before tobacco is placed in storage, a clean storage area should be prepared. Clean out and burn all tobacco and debris from the storage area.