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Strange beetle type bug infestation #808081

Asked August 25, 2022, 9:37 PM EDT

I have hundreds, maybe more, of these weird beetle type bugs. I have tried diatomaceous earth, nematodes, sprays… they seem to burrow in the dirt and come out when disturbed. Very fast and about 1/4 to an inch long. Any help identifying would be greatly appreciated! They are in clay like soil and it was quite dry around my tomatoes, they did seem to be causing some root damage,nor maybe just disturbing them with burrowing. They climb up my legs when I water, help lol

Lane County Oregon

Expert Response

Identifying a bug or insect from pictures is not always possible. To identify an insect, you need a to be able to see the minute details, not only of the body, but of the abdomen, antenna, head, eyes, and wings.

The best way to receive an accurate identification would be to capture the bug and take the sample to your local Extension office. There they can look at it under magnification and make a better determination of what your bug is. Another option is to send your bug to the Oregon State University Insect ID Clinic. For information see Oregon State University Insect ID Clinic. This is a free service to citizens and commercial industries of Oregon.

From what is seen in your pictures, your bug could be a variety of one of the seed bugs, or dirt-colored seed bugs. The link, Seed Bugs, has more information.

Jan Gano, OSU Extension Master Gardener Replied August 28, 2022, 4:25 PM EDT

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