Unidentified beetle by floorboards - Ask Extension
I came home after a month away to find mostly dead, tiny beetles by my kitchen floor woodwork. What could they be? Do I need an exterminator? Could th...
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Unidentified beetle by floorboards #866842
Asked May 02, 2024, 11:22 PM EDT
I came home after a month away to find mostly dead, tiny beetles by my kitchen floor woodwork. What could they be? Do I need an exterminator? Could they be wood eaters?
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Nancy,
It's a bit hard to see enough detail in your photos. I think those are most likely beetles in the Family: Ptinidae, Subfamily: Anobiinae. Beetles in this group include species that feed on and damage wood, but others in this group are household pests that infest foods and other stored products.
It would probably be a good idea to get some specimens to someone who can take a close look at them and get you a firm identification.
If you want to, you are welcome to submit a sample to us at the OSU Plant Clinic. Here are instructions for how to do that if you are interested...
https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/how-submit-insect-and-spider-materials
It's a bit hard to see enough detail in your photos. I think those are most likely beetles in the Family: Ptinidae, Subfamily: Anobiinae. Beetles in this group include species that feed on and damage wood, but others in this group are household pests that infest foods and other stored products.
It would probably be a good idea to get some specimens to someone who can take a close look at them and get you a firm identification.
If you want to, you are welcome to submit a sample to us at the OSU Plant Clinic. Here are instructions for how to do that if you are interested...
https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/how-submit-insect-and-spider-materials
