What kind of bug is this - Ask Extension
Please help me identify these bugs. Thank you
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What kind of bug is this #873032
Asked June 13, 2024, 6:37 PM EDT
Please help me identify these bugs. Thank you
Monroe County Michigan
Expert Response
The bugs are black, hard shelled, about 1/8 inch long, 1/16 " wide, and they can fly. They seem to be mostly near windows, patio door and on the ceilings. Very hard shell.
I'm no better off than before, still don't have any info.
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These appear to be drugstore beetle adults. This is a very common stored products pest that can be persistent once they have invaded dried, stored foods. First, check your pantry where you store dried spices, flour, beans, pasta, crackers, and similar stored foods. The infested products should be thrown out and nearby foods can be placed in a freezer for a week or so to kill any beetles or larvae that were undetected. If you don't find them in any of your dried foods, be sure to check any bags of dry dog or cat food. They are also occasional pests of bird seed bags. A 4-6 ounce package can produce hundreds of these little beetles. The adults are often attracted to sunny windows where they may accumulate and become noticed. Sprays are not needed once you find the source and eliminate it. We don't want to spray pesticides where we store our foods. So-called bug-bombs (total release aerosols) are not recommended as the gas/fumes can not penetrate into food packages where the beetle larvae are developing.
https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/stored/drugstore_beetle.htm
https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/stored/drugstore_beetle.htm