Knowledgebase

Requesting pest identification and ideas for removal #864315

Asked April 12, 2024, 8:23 PM EDT

Located in Austin area. We recently moved to a new unit in our 13 year old apartment building. About 3-6 months before we moved in, there was a leak in the unit above. The damage was minimal and maintenance was diligent in drying and dehumidifying the unit.

Around a month after we moved in, we started noticing tiny (~1mm and smaller) brown bugs, first in the bathroom sink, then around the bathroom, then everywhere. They don’t seem to bite and there’s no obvious place they’re coming from or entering through. At this point, we sweep (with a swifter-sweeper) twice a day, sometimes more, throughout the apartment and consistently find ~40-50 stuck to the pad. We had a pest guy come through and spray some areas as well as take a glue trap to inspect later, but he was not able to identify or give any advice on how to deal with these pests. My SO has had an hard time with this infestation and is very stressed. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Travis County Texas

Expert Response

Good morning,
Thank you for the pictures. Sorry that you have this infestation. It appears the insect is a weevil. Possibly a rice or grey weevil. We need to have more information from you. Also, it would be best to be able to communicate back and forth with you. It also appears that we may need to get an insect expert involved.
We would like to know how many applications of insecticide and which product it was. Please contact us at: <personal data hidden>.
Our phone in<personal data hidden>

We are looking forward to helping you solve this problem.

Best regards,
Beesan and Jerry





An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 23, 2024, 12:09 PM EDT
Dear Justin,
     What you have are called plater beetles.  They could be signaling a potential mold issue.  You may want to contact your property management company.
      We are including a link to more information on these insects.


Plaster Beetles (tamu.edu)

      Thank you again for contacting us and if we can be of further assistance please contact us at the contact information provided below.


Regards,
Lynn Lucas
Volunteer
Fort Bend County Master Gardeners
Research and Gardening Help Desk Team
<personal data hidden>
<personal data hidden>
https://fbmg.org/






      
An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 23, 2024, 2:28 PM EDT

Loading ...