Steerpike

I've been seeing a small number of these consistently for several years now, during the summer months, in my condo in Scottsdale. Maybe 1-2 per day. I've never seen them come in from anywhere in particular (door/window/ceiling/etc); I just see them on the floor (light ceramic tile floors, so easy to spot).

They move very slowly, and 'crunch' when squashed. About 1/4" or less in length. I'd like to better understand what they are and where they come from, so I can perhaps stop them. I'm reluctant to engage a 'pest control' guy because they will want to setup weekly sprayings, which I'm not too keen on.

Research so far suggests carpet or flour beetles. I've checked my 'pantry' and there's no infestation there. I have some area rugs but none seem to be infested.

anotherlimey

I'm not an expert but that doesn't mean I don't have an opinion.

Evacuate. Egyptian flesh-eating sand beetles.

Steerpike

That's where my legs went!

robin1234

They look like some sort of carpet beetle to me. In general those types of beetles are more or less benign. They live in houses & eat dust, skin flakes, maybe dead critters etc. I have them in my new flat in England and they get on with their lives, I get on with mine... certainly pantry beetles are something to worry about, so keep a close watch on flour, cereals, lentils etc.

Steerpike

I've pretty much ignored them for several years, but now I'm about to store a lot of boxes in the place; boxes full of books, photos, clothing, etc. I'm a bit concerned that these bugs could slowly destroy the contents of these boxes.

petitefrancaise

I don't care what the bugs are called. I kill every one I find in my house...

MMcD

Looks like he'll be able to identify it and advise:

https://cals.arizona.edu/ento/content/insect-id

mrken30

I took a bug into Lowes and the lady they knew straight away what the bug was. They also had a big reference book of bugs to double check.

dakota44

I stopped using boxes for storing things. Rubbermaid storage bins. Solves a lot of problems...including bugs.

Jerseygirl

I don't think most of those are airtight...so bugs could still get in. For clothing and linens the Vacumn sealed bags are best.

Jerseygirl

I don't think most of those are airtight...so bugs could still get in. For clothing and linens the Vacumn sealed bags are best. For things like books, photos...I'd put them in black bin liners...seal the bag...then put it in a Rubbermaid tote.

Steerpike

If they are indeed carpet beetles, this site (https://www.orkin.com/other/beetles/...mage-problems/) suggests it's the larvae that do the damage, not the adult visible beetles. Of course this is a 'pest control' website but they do seem fairly objective. I'm thinking of buying some boric acid powder, like this - https://www.amazon.com/Tranquility-P.../dp/B00IEQ70BO and then dusting around the perimeter of the house.

I have a lot of plastic storage bins, but these boxes are the result of an actual move, and I'm not done moving yet - I just need to store the boxes for a while until I find the final destination. Square boxes are the most efficient, I've found, for bulk moving! However - if there are some plastic boxes you'd recommend that are good for storing content, moving (that is, with handles), stacking (that is, base of one fits nicely on top of another), and ultimate empty stacking that is, when done you can put one inside another without too much fuss), I'll consider buying a bunch; even if they aren't sealed, at least I would be able to 'observe' the contents.

dakota44

Take your pick.

Storage Bins & Totes - Storage & Organization - The Home Depot

petitefrancaise

SAMLA series - IKEA

I've used these for years. They have clips that fasten down everything nice and tightly and the largest one has castors.

I take them on camping trips. they load nicely with all the kitchen stuff and food in 2 different boxes,then on the return trip with the food box empty, I can nest them and save some space. Being see through is a bonus in the garage...

robin1234

[QUOTE=Steerpike;12335374]If they are indeed carpet beetles, this site (https://www.orkin.com/other/beetles/...mage-problems/) suggests it's the larvae that do the damage, not the adult visible beetles. Of course this is a 'pest control' website but they do seem fairly objective. I'm thinking of buying some boric acid powder, like this - https://www.amazon.com/Tranquility-P.../dp/B00IEQ70BO and then dusting around the perimeter of the house.

That Orkin site looks pretty good and factual. Yes, I certainly have seen the larvae as well as the adults. We carpeted the place with a wool mixture carpet, so I suppose they are eating that. I vacuum pretty aggressively (when in the UK!) so keep them down that way. Being in the US for months at a time, I guess they have free range...!