Knowledgebase

Beetle Bug? #927335

Asked April 02, 2026, 10:53 AM EDT

Hi MSU! This type of bug is being seen in my old family home (in Madison Heights, MI) with some frequency. There is a little dog and a person sharing the room where the bugs have been seen. The bug size is very small - approximately 1/8 of an inch in length. The wings flutter at times, but we've never seen one flying. Can you help us identify it so we can pursue its elimination? Thank you!

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

Identifying insects from photographs is difficult to do with any degree of certainty. However, based on its general appearance and the description of the circumstances where they are being encountered, there is a good possibility they are beetles (Order Coleoptera) in the family Dermestidae. Beetles in this family are sometimes called Carpet Beetles or Larder Beetles. The immature stage looks like a grub or caterpillar and it can sometimes be found in dry goods in our pantries or kitchen cupboards. They are also commonly found associated with pet food and/or birdseed. They can even sometimes be found infesting textiles, carpets, or upholstery where they persist on crumbs and other detritus shed by humans. 
If you would like to read more about dermestid beetles including information about how to manage them, you can visit this site from MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/carpet-beetles

If you would like to have a specimen identified, you can submit them to the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory. Information about how to submit specimens can be found on their website at www.pestid.msu.edu
An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 03, 2026, 6:43 PM EDT

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