AboutEric R. Eaton Expertise I can answer most questions related to wasps, solitary bees, grasshoppers and katydids, beetles, cicadas, and spiders, and identification of "mystery bugs" in North America. No "what bit me?" or "what do I feed this bug in captivity?" questions please.
Experience Principal author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America. Professional entomologist employed previously at University of Massachusetts, Chase Studio, Inc., and Cincinnati Zoo; contract work for West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Smithsonian Institution, and Portland (Oregon) State University.
Organizations Entomological Society of America, National Association of Science Writers
Publications Author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Missouri Conservationist magazine, Ranger Rick, Timeline (journal of the Ohio Historical Society). I have contributed to several books as well.
Education/Credentials Oregon State University, undergraduate major in entomology, did not receive degree.
Past/Present Clients Principal author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Smithsonian Institution (contract), Cincinnati Zoo (employer), Portland State University (contract), Chase Studio, Inc (employer), Arkansas Museum of Discovery (guest speaker). Currently seeking employment in a highly creative work environment with a media corporation or non-profit.
Question I have small bugs in my kitchen and in my bathroom. They are in my pantry and cupboards but also around my sinks and in my bathtub. They are very small and from a distance the look like tiny seeds. The bugs are black and have a semi hard shell. If needed I can send a picture later after I learn my digital camera. I having been looking on the internet and have seen some pictures. I know that they are not Saw-toothed beetles or Larder beetles. Your help is appreciated. Thank You!
Answer
Dear Elizabeth Taylor:
I love your movies:-) Sorry. Surprised your mansion is host to any pests, though....
What you have is no doubt some kind of SPP ("stored product pest"). My guesses would be carpet beetles (Anthrenus sp. or Attagenus sp. or Trogoderma sp.), or flour beetles (Tribolium sp.). All can fly, which would account for their presence in places other than the kitchen. Typically, the carpet beetles feed on any dry animal matter, including furs, woolens, taxidermy mounts, insect collections, dried meat, etc.
Please consult the internet for more information, but please visit .gov or .edu sites only, as commercial (.com) sites can provide erroneous information. Do not spray any chemicals in your kitchen. Simply discard the infested material, and seal remaining foodstuffs in jars or bins with tight-fitting lids (even bins are not that good, I'd go with glass jars with tight lids).
The insects you describe are not a health hazard, more of a nuisance than anything else. Good luck.
