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You are here: Experts > Science > Insects/Spiders > Entomology (Study of Bugs) > Going Buggy Over Odd Bug
Expert: Jack DeAngelis - 11/3/2009
Question
Hi
I've had a really bad cold or something the last week and was taking a steaming bath this morning, when much to my horror, I saw a little bug floating near my head. At first I thought it was a tick, but I live in NYC, haven't been in a wooded area in....(I can't remember the last time) and don't own any dogs/cats nor have I been near any recently. Then of course my next panicked thought was bed bug *shudders* but from my research online, I don't think it's that. I think it may be what I've learned is called a spider beetle... But I would love an expert to confirm that and ease my worries.
It's smaller than a pencil eraser, probably a couple millimeters. It's a brownish color and like I said has a hard shell. But the pics will probably do more than my lousy description. (Actually, in the pics, the thing is on a piece of toilet paper and you can see the little pinpoint pattern on the toilet paper - that may help with you seeing its size.) Also, I have two pics but I see this thing only allows me to post 1.
Thanks in advance.
Answer
Meg,
Excellent diagnosis, this is indeed a spider beetle. They are minor stored product pests. No need to be concern. If you start seeing them regularly you may have an infestation in some kind of stored food such as cereal, grains or dry pet food.
Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com
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