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Foreign Grain Beetle #769860

Asked August 30, 2021, 1:47 PM EDT

Is this a foreign Grain Beetle? We built a new home in Lake Elmo that we moved into end of last October. We’ve been overwhelmed by whatever this little beetle is for that last month or so and they just keep getting worse.

Washington County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you! I do want to add that we are finding most of them in our bathrooms (greatest amount in our master bathroom) and saw some in our main sewer drain in basement. We are now seeing them pretty much anywhere. I believe I saw the first one beginning of July but august has been such a headache. 

Any feedback would be so appreciated! 

Thank you, 
Kelly Carnes

Live, Laugh, Love

On Aug 30, 2021, at 12:47 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:



Dear Kelly,

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YOUR QUESTION #0039791:

Foreign Grain Beetle

Is this a foreign Grain Beetle? We built a new home in Lake Elmo that we moved into end of last October. We’ve been overwhelmed by whatever this little beetle is for that last month or so and they just keep getting worse.

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The Question Asker Replied August 30, 2021, 2:01 PM EDT
The photos lack the detail needed to be sure, but based upon what we can see, we think you have identified the pest correctly.

You may have already seen the following publication.  Using a hand lens you will probably be able to confirm or rule out foreign grain beetles by looking for the identifying characteristics mentioned there.

If foreign grain beetles are present, their numbers should diminish as the premises dries out.
https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/foreign-grain-beetles
An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 30, 2021, 4:31 PM EDT
Good evening, 

We currently have all our drains closed and the overflows sealed up. While we’re trying to kill the ones we see and wait out these buggers till they’re gone , should we continue keeping the drains closed? 

Are the furring grain beetles found outside of the home as well? I’m seeing quite a few on the outside of our house as well. 

Also, is this the same beetle? I’ve only seen one of these and that was today.

image

Thank you for your help,
Kelly Carnes

Live, Laugh, Love

On Aug 30, 2021, at 3:31 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied August 30, 2021, 9:11 PM EDT
We can't tell whether the circled insect is a grain beetle or otherwise identify it.

According to the following publication, foreign grain beetles aren't associated with drains unless the drains are a source of dampness that fosters the growth of mold.

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/foreign-grain-beetle
An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 30, 2021, 9:25 PM EDT

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