I have a carpeted 2 bedroom apartment. i have found these little bugs that are furry, black, and brown, and like to stay near the walls. i don't see any bug nests or anything like that. And haven't noticed them biting anyone in the house. but it creeps me out. I want to know what kind of bug this is...and how to get rid of them.
2007-02-22 10:13:01 · 8 answers · asked by *~Andrea~* 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
I live in Washington. the bugs don't have wings. i saw one on the wall in the bathroom, but for the most part they are in the living room and haven't seen any others on the walls.
***And for the guy who said he just vacuums them up. LOL. I do that too. But i'd like to find a more permanant way to get rid of them. :D
2007-02-22 10:37:00 · update #1
I can't be positive without a picture, but it sounds like they might be dermestid beetle larvae - the juvenile stage of carpet or larder beetles.
Here's some pictures http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=dermestid+larva&search=Search
Fortunately, dermestid larvae aren't quite as horrifying as they look. They are a fairly common household pest - feeding on spilled food, grains, and even scavenging dead insects or rodents in or near your home.
The first step in getting rid of them is figuring out what they're eating, and getting rid of that. Seal your food (especially cereals and grains) in airtight containers (i.e. Tupperware). Make sure cold rooms or other storage areas don't have bits of old potato or something hanging around the corners.
If you're finding them along the baseboards, applications of diatomaceous earth may be effective. It's essentially really, really finely ground glass, and kills the insects by drying them out after scratching through their waxy cuticle. It's mostly harmless to humans and pets (just don't inhale it).
2007-02-22 11:26:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They sound like what are commonly called "pillbugs". These guys like to live underneath large objects and feed on decomposing plant/animal matter. They do not bite and will usually try to avoid interaction with other creatures. It would be tough to get rid of them without poisoning them, they can eat almost anything that has organic macromolecules (things with carbohydrates or protein for example).
The other possibility is that it is what is commonly known as a "potato bug" or "woodlouse" (this seems more likely since you said it looks furry). They are very similar to pillbugs - but their head looks a little different, and they have a more furry appearance. I linked a couple pages for examples.
Besides being creepy these guys are totally harmless.
2007-02-22 10:40:52 · answer #2 · answered by brooks b 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well depends on the size. If it was really small than probably was a flea, but if it was the size of an eraser tip maybe smaller than probably a tick. You can get tick AND flea medicine pretty much any where walmart tops etc... it kills both so you don't have to look it up on the internet. And this medicine can be applied once a month on the back of your dogs neck. Hope that helps!
2016-03-29 07:44:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm... without a picture to go on, or any information as to what region you are in, my first guess would be you have velvet ants in your home. They are flightless but females can sting like a wasp, but usually do not unless you try to hurt them (for example, by stepping on them.) They are usually either red and black or brown and black, and unique in their "fuzzy" appearance.
I included a link to an image of one, and some information. They usually aren't a problem in a home - and will go away on their own.
2007-02-22 10:37:53 · answer #4 · answered by psychoduckie25 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bugs don't have fur. We don't know where you are? Asia? Europe? America? Can you tell if it is a beetle? How many legs? Can you take a picture? Maybe put it on cam.
2007-02-22 10:22:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't sound familiar to me. Try and catch one in a jar, then take it to a local pest company like Orkin, and see if they know what it is. You could also try a local university biology department, or agricultural office.
Good luck!
2007-02-22 10:23:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably pill bugs. if i find any i feed them to my turtle. so far i've found two, she ate them, none have come back. you just need a turtle :-)
2007-02-22 12:31:21 · answer #7 · answered by Tim C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i get them sometimes as well, i just vac. them up and they go away
2007-02-22 10:20:32 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋