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Bugs? (Or banana seeds . . .) #878284

Asked July 22, 2024, 2:42 PM EDT

Recently (last week) we discovered a bunch of small, dark brown stuff in the cabinet under the sink. At first I thought they were coffee grounds (we keep the compost bucket under the sink, emptied daily) and cleaned them up. But they returned, and we discovered them on the shelves as well as the floor of the cabinet. Picture attached. Are these bug sacks/eggs? And if so, should we put them outside or trash them (invasives)? They have a rather hard exterior, but can be broken open with a strong thumbnail, and reveal a reddish interior. They all seem to have a tiny "tail" on one end. Not at all sure how they arrived (much less what they are).

Prince George's County Maryland

Expert Response

These do not look like insect bodies or debris (including insect eggs), nor do they look like plant seeds. Their size and shape does suggest mouse droppings, however. (Refer to the linked page for more information.) You may want to try using baited mouse traps or check for access points that need sealing like gaps in the cabinet, holes around piping or wiring, and similar entry points, which can be surprisingly small to let a mouse crawl through it.

Miri
Dear Miri

Thank you for the information and . . . Eeeuuwww. And we have three cats! But I think you are right and the mouse stays in the cabinet so they don’t see it. 

Deborah


On Mon, Jul 22, 2024 at 3:05 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2024, 7:00 PM EDT

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