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2mm Hard Shell, Black, beetle/weevil with a single straw like protrusion at mouth or head #850776
Asked September 21, 2023, 1:54 PM EDT
Cannot identify these Black, beetle/weevil, averaging 2mm, exoskeleton or hard shell, subphylum Hexapoda=6 legs, with single straw like protrusion at mouth or head area. mostly around sink and counter, also kitchen, sometimes floor. They seem to like the sink area mostly because of the moisture, etc... They look like a type of weevil that lives in Peru Indiana. 2mm average, but they range from 1mm to almost 3mm. When touched, their shell feels hard. Have used permethrin, geraniol, lemongrass oil, Spectracide Bug Stop, of which don't really seem to work, maybe just slows them down slightly. Just today used neem oil. They seem pesticide-resistant. Have set oil traps which does not get all of them. Thank you in advance!
Miami County Indiana
Expert Response
Hello Robin,
Indiana is a long way from NC, but maybe I can help you.
Regardless, they are weevils (or bill bugs). I can't identify the species from the photos.
If you are finding them inside the home, I suggest you locate the source and remove it.
I suspect you will find them in grain, seeds, nuts, or even Christmas decorations where someone unsuspecting used grain or nuts glued on cardboard as a decoration. It could be a bag or hazel nuts left over from the holidays.
Check the food pantry. They may be in something like rice, or whole grain and have come out of a bag tucked in the back corner that you or your partner purchased and forgot about.
