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Small black/brown bugs near windowsills and appear to fly #415481

Asked July 19, 2017, 6:15 PM EDT

I have noticed multiple groups of these bugs near windowsills on my lower/half below grade level. They appear to fly and are drawn to my lamps! They seem to have a hard exoskeleton. Any ideas what they are or how to get rid of them?!

Cuyahoga County Ohio

Expert Response

They are drugstore beetles. Drugstore beetles and their cousins, the cigarette beetles are pantry pests. They can infest all kinds of dried goods including pasta, cereals, oatmeal, cornmeal, crackers, cake mixes, cookies, dried fruit, spices, chocolates, dog and cat food, and the list goes on and on. You will have to search, discover, and clean. You may have to store all of your dried goods in heavy plastic containers until you get everything cleaned out. Storage in a freezer is also acceptable. Here is a link to more information: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/stored/cigarette_beetle.htm
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 19, 2017, 10:16 PM EDT

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