Q: What is this tiny black beetle with orange spots? There are a bunch of tiny black beetles with orange spots in our kitchen pantry.
A:Â Those are carpet beetles and their larvae you will recognize as tiny, hairy grubs. Often what are found are the cast skins of the larvae from their molts among your damaged things. They are common indoor pests of stored products and other organic materials. Back in the day, when most carpets were made of wool or other natural fibers, these insects got their name. They can be found on a variety of things besides carpets and are most likely infesting something near where you are seeing them in the pantry. These insects are sometimes used by mammalogists to clean animal skeletons in scientific collections. Sadly, they are also a serious museum pest and are notorious for eating insect collections and other dead animals. In your situation, the first things to check are any open containers of pet food, bird seed, etc. Then start working through things stored in cardboard boxes or other easily chewed containers. You might also check if you have any boxes or clothing made of natural materials. The eradication of these beetles is difficult. Sanitation and exclusion are the most important tactics.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to plwarren@cals.arizona.edu.
