I’m on vacation and now I see tiny (3mm) spider-like beetles walking. They walk very slowly over the ground and walls and the bed frame. They are brown/black, have 6 legs and feelers and a round, shiny body. I hear a crack when I crush them. I checked mattress and bedding because I thought about bed bugs but I don’t see anything there. It is almost impossible to take a picture because they are so small and move. In this photo it is lying on its back.
Answer
Dear Astrid,
the photo is unfortunately not very clear, but based on this photo I immediately think of the family of the thief beetles (Ptinidae). Further identification based on this photo is not possible.
Both the adults and the larvae of thief beetles are omnivorous. They feed on both animal and vegetable material, mainly food stocks (cereals, dried fruits), straw, feathers, hair, textiles (wool and synthetic fibres), leather, packaging.
The source of infection therefore does not have to be present in the home, although this is possible (eg food stocks in the kitchen). Residues in the attic or a bird’s nest outside under a gutter can also be a source of infection.
Given the nocturnal nature of this insect, they are often hidden in seams and crevices.
Kind regards,
Hans
Answered by
Hans Casteels
identification of pest insects in agriculture and horticulture, stock goods and homes
Burg. van Gansberghelaan 96 box 1 9820 Merelbeke
http://www.ilvo.vlaanderen.be
.