Subject: is this a bed bug?
Location: Richmond VA
February 17, 2017 11:08 am
This found in bed with others. None of the characteristic flat bed bugs were found. It’s tiny- only a few millimeters. I took the photo using a stereomicroscope.
Signature: Bugging out

Smooth Spider Beetle

Dear Bugging Out,
This is NOT a Bed Bug.  It is a Smooth Spider Beetle, Gibbium aequinoctiale, and we verified its identity on BugGuide.  According to BugGuide:  “wide variety of dead organic materials; may be a dry stored product pest.”  They are relatively common household pantry pests.

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Subject: Not sure what this is.
Location: Cincinnati, OH
February 5, 2017 1:50 pm
I’ve seen a few of these little bugs. They don’t seem to cause any harm. At first I thought they were ladybugs until I was able to hold onto one long enough to examine it. What I thought were spots now appear to be jagged stripes instead. It does fly but not far. Please examine it and let me know what you think it could be.
Signature: Brian Wiesman

Carpet Beetle

Dear Brian,
This is a Varied Carpet Beetle, a common Household Pest, but it is not the adult Carpet Beetle that is problematic.  Adult Carpet Beetles feed on pollen and probably want nothing more than to get out of the house once they mature and lay eggs.  Larval Carpet Beetles will eat a wide assortment of organic materials in the home, including accumulated pet hair.

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Subject: Beetle or moth larva?
Location: South eastern Washington State
January 31, 2017 6:18 am
Hi,
I’m so glad to have found this site!
I found this larva crawling on my pillow. One week earlier one was in my kids bedroom. Trying not to be grossed out! We are in the northwest but recently moved from the northeast. In our old house carpet beetles were coming in from outside attracted to wool carpets. I’ve been meticulous about not spreading them to our new house. This new larva looks a little different but similar and I am trying not to freak out! Is it a beetle? Moth? I found larder beetle and warehouse beetle larva photos and am wondering if it could be one of those?
Signature: Beetle watcher

Carpet Beetle Larva

Dear Beetle watcher,
This Carpet Beetle larva is a common household pest.

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Subject: It looks like a tiny bee
Location: Daniels, WV, 37.7432° N, 81.1229° W
January 9, 2017 11:01 am
I see these guys seasonally. Normally when the weather turns cold. They look like small bees. They have wings but they are well hidden and I normally see them scurrying around damp locations. Bathroom. Pet water bowl etc. I have no idea what it is. Do you?
Signature: Rob Thompson

Larder Beetle

Dear Rob,
This Larder Beetle, Dermestes lardarius, is a common household pest that feeds on stored food products.  Check the pantry to see if you can locate larvae infesting dried foods.  They will also infest dried hides and animal products.

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Subject: Insect eggs?
Location: Saint Louisville, Ohio
January 5, 2017 9:29 am
Cleaned underneath my stove and found a bunch of these little guys. I believe they have already hatched. Can you please tell me what they are? Thank you
Signature: Cherry

Carpet Beetle Larvae

Dear Cherry,
Hard to reach spots including under the stove and refrigerator, are likely places to find Carpet Beetle larvae, common household intruders that will feed on pet hair, food scraps and other organic material that falls to the floor in the kitchen.

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