Black Bugs
Tiny Black Bugs Look Like Poppy Seeds. If you’ve been seeing tiny black bugs in your home, it could be a number of different insects. It’s important to know the differences between them before you can effectively get rid of them.
One of the most common kinds are grain bugs, also known as flour beetles. These bugs are teeny-tiny and can be found munching on food items like flour, dry pasta, and cereals.[1]
American spider beetles
Tiny black bugs that look like poppy seeds can be found in your pantry and kitchen. They are general scavengers that feed on grains, spices, aged wood, vegetables, and rodent droppings.
Unlike other pests, spider beetles do not fly and therefore do not bite humans or animals. They are a common problem in homes, but they do not spread disease and do not damage your furniture.
They are 2 to 5 millimeters long and have a rounded abdomen. They are generally reddish brown and shiny black in color, and they have a head, thorax, legs, and antennae covered in cream or yellow hairs.[2]
American spider beetles have patches of white hairs on their wing covers, as you can see in the photo below, but these are often rubbed off by older beetles. Males have a thinner and more elongated abdomen than females.
Larvae are dark brown to gray when young, and they become reddish when they pupate. The pupae are oblong or oval in shape, and are flattened when you look at them from above. They are also covered with numerous, minute hairs, and they vary in color from black to brown, gray, or reddish as they mature.
Drugstore beetles
The tiny black bugs you see in drugstores are called drug store beetles because of their tendency to feed on drugs. These tiny beetles are 1/8 of an inch long and have a humped head that dips downward when you look at them.[3]
Drugstore beetles belong to the family Anobiidae in the order Coleoptera. They resemble another anobad, the furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum), but they are less hairy and have a distinctive 3-segmented antennal club.
Their life cycle takes about 1 to 3.5 months, depending on the temperature and other factors. Adults and larvae are found in food storage areas where they may spread disease, so it is important to get rid of any stored foods that have been infested by these pests.
If you notice drugstore beetles in your home, it’s time to contact a professional pest control company like Brody Brothers. Our trained experts will be able to completely get rid of these bugs and prevent re-infestations in the future. We’ll also help you find the right products to get rid of these pests safely and effectively. Call us today to schedule your appointment! We’re ready to help you take back your kitchen, pantry, and other areas of your home![4]
Fungus gnats
Unlike many other tiny black bugs, fungus gnats look like poppy seeds. They’re about the size of a pinhead and come in shades of brown and black, with long thin legs and wings that are light to clear.
They’re found all over the world, especially in damp areas. They’re primarily attracted to damp growing media and can breed in sink drains, garbage bins, compost bins, and other humid environments.[5]
When they’re adults, fungus gnats eat fungi that grow in warm, moist conditions. This makes them a problem for succulents that are overwatered or have root rot.
These insects can also cause damage to potted plants, particularly if the plant has roots that are prone to rotting. When the larvae hatch, they feed on the soil and the roots of the plant. This can cause sudden wilting, yellowing, and leaf drop.
One of the best ways to avoid gnats is to check your succulent’s soil daily for moisture levels. You can use a water meter or stick your finger into the soil to feel for excess moisture. This will allow you to adjust your watering habits accordingly. Keeping your soil moisture levels low will prevent gnats from invading your garden.[6]
Baby black oriental cockroaches
The tiny black bugs you see scurrying around your house are likely baby black oriental cockroaches, also called water bugs or black cockroaches. They are one of the Big Three cockroach species and originated in Asia (not Germany).
Cockroaches are omnivores that eat anything they can get their hands on, from food waste to small insects. They often live close to damp, dark places where there are food and water sources, which is why they are such a major health risk.[7]
They can spread illnesses such as diarrhea, typhoid fever, dysentery and even cholera. They are nocturnal and will stay hidden in cracks and crevices in your home during the daytime, except when they are feeding or laying eggs.
Mature cockroaches can be easily identified as they have flattened oval bodies, long antennas and wing-like structures on their backs. They come in a variety of colors from reddish-brown to dark brown, tan and even black.
Black weevils
Tiny black bugs look like poppy seeds, but they are actually insect pests called flour beetles. They are a serious problem because they feed on corn, wheat, beans and rice.[8]
Weevils can also find their way into cupboards where they can cause extensive damage to stored grains. If you see weevils in your pantry, you should throw out any contaminated food and clean the area well.
Adult weevils are about 12 mm long and ovoid in shape. They have an elongated head with a long snout that helps them burrow and feed.
In addition to eating on a variety of different plants, they can also damage roots. This is especially true for azaleas, rhododendrons and many types of conifers.
If you spot the weevils in your garden, you can treat with a registered insecticide during late May through June. The optimal time to do this is when they first emerge on favored host plants such as rhododendrons, hosta and florabunda roses.
The most effective method for controlling the weevils is to avoid introducing them into your home in the first place. Make sure to dispose of all contaminated foods immediately, including pet foods and any food that has been in your cupboard for a long period of time.[9]
Spider mites
Tiny black bugs that look like poppy seeds, spider mites have eight legs and are only 1/50 inch long when mature. The small bugs are surprisingly effective predators of plant-damaging pests including thrips and aphids.
They have modified mouthparts that pierce individual plant cells, extracting fluids and feeding on the leaves. This causes clusters of tiny white or yellow spots on foliage known as stippling. When many dots are found together, a leaf can turn bronze or yellow in color and drop prematurely.[10]
Infestations are usually first noticed on dusty areas or plants adjacent to roads and at the edges of gardens. Midseason washing of trees and vines with water can help control mite populations.
Once their presence is identified, you can monitor plants for evidence of mite damage on a regular basis. Pay close attention to leaves on both sides and examine them closely for signs of stippling, webbing, eggs or larvae.
If you notice any of these signs on your plants, take a sample for identification at the Cooperative Extension Service. They can identify a wide range of insect pests, so make sure you check their list for the specific species you have to deal with.[11]
Poop
If you notice small black bugs in your home that look like poppy seeds, you’re likely dealing with aphids. Aphids feed on flower and leaf buds, and they can damage plants. Use a magnifying glass to see these insects clearly and identify them before using pesticides.
Other aphids include the black citrus aphid (Toxoptera aurantii) and the black peach aphid (Brachycaudus persicae). These bugs can damage fruits, flowers, and vegetable gardens. You can control aphids by spraying the affected areas with an insecticidal soap.[12]
Grain insects: Also known as flour beetles, these teeny tiny pests can hide in dry food pantries and cause damage to cereals, bread, and other foods. These insects are so small they can be hard to spot, but you can detect them by their distinctive wing marks and smell.
Springtails: During summer months, you may notice these 1/16-inch-long critters jumping in your sink and bathtub. Their name comes from a tail-like appendage under their abdomen that will “spring” them into the air.
They can be difficult to eliminate, but they’re not dangerous to humans or pets. They do cause itching and red ridges on the skin, which can be painful. If you get bitten by one, treat it with calamine lotion, a cold compress, or rubbing alcohol.[13]
Tiny Black Bugs That Look Like Poppy Seeds
Across the state of Utah, families are finding tiny black bugs that look like poppy seeds. These pests can wreak havoc on your garden and home.
But don’t let them scare you. These pests don’t carry any diseases and can be a painless nip to your skin.
Moss mites
Moss mites are tiny black bugs that live in mosses and lichens, as well as on the bark of trees. They can be found in many different habitats including forests, bogs and meadows.[14]
They have been known to live in both soil and aboveground environments (Wunderle 1992; Prinzing 2005). However, the habitats in which they tend to occur are usually limited by detritus based conditions such as soil or suspended soils, and this may limit their dispersal (Lindo and Winchester 2006; Bailey et al. 2018).
Consequently, we conducted a study to determine whether oribatid mites were dispersal limited in five habitat types (coniferous forests, deciduous forests, mixed forests, meadows and bogs) and three seasons (spring, summer, autumn) in Sweden. We used Malaise traps to exclude sole passive wind-dispersal and compared oribatid mite communities in habitats and seasons.
Our findings suggest that dispersal of oribatid mite species that inhabit aboveground habitats is mainly restricted to the local area and that these communities are different from those of soil-living species. In addition, we found that the abundance of these species differed between habitats and seasons, indicating that they rely more on active ground-based movement than their counterparts in soil habitats.[15]
Black aphids
Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped bugs that feed by piercing the outer cells of plants to sucking out their sap. They are a common pest in gardens and can cause yellowing, wilting and distorted plant growth.
They can also spread a number of viruses and other diseases to your garden, including bean virus (Bean Mosaic Virus), cotton mosaic virus and tomato spotted wilt virus. They are particularly dangerous to young plants, like poppies.[16]
When poppies are young, aphids are especially attracted to them because the flowers are soft and delicate. These insects eat the petals and leave behind sticky waste called honeydew that attracts sooty mold fungus.
These fungal diseases can lead to root rot and death of the poppy plant, and they often occur on the same plant as aphids. You can prevent these infections by properly watering your poppies and other plants in the garden, and making sure to check them regularly for signs of pests.
You can also trap aphids with a yellow pan filled with soapy water and placed near the affected plants. They are attracted to the color of the water and will sink to the bottom. Use this method in conjunction with natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Flea beetles
Tiny black bugs look a lot like poppy seeds, especially when you compare them to the larger insects they often feed on. Flea beetles can destroy a wide variety of plants as they feed on their roots and chew through leaves, stems and petals.[17]
They can also spread a variety of diseases such as verticillium wilt. This disease is most commonly found on cucumber and pumpkin but is also common on squashes and melons.
The adults are about 3 mm in length and have black spots behind their thorax. They emerge in May and July, laying eggs all season.
These beetles can also be a problem on cabbage, rutabaga, beets and peas. Their larvae feed on plant roots and can cause bacterial wilt, so they must be dealt with quickly.
Roses are another common target of beetle pests, so make sure to keep a close eye on your plants. Hoplia beetles can eat the pedals of roses, so they must be treated promptly to save your flowering plants.
Luckily, there are several methods to control these beetles. A 2018 replicated nursery trial targeting larvae showed acephate at 12 oz/100 gallons, chlorpyrifos at 50W at 16 lb/100 gallons (the max label rate for beetles), and Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes at 250 million nematodes/100 gallons provided 100% control.[18]
Bed bugs
If you’ve ever gotten bitten by a bed bug, you’ve likely seen tiny black bugs that look like poppy seeds. They are about the size of a lentil and are incredibly itchy and painful for people who are bitten by them.
They don’t bite people who are allergic to them, but they can irritate skin and cause reddened weals that fade to a white spot after they heal. Because of this, it is important to get medical attention if you are bitten by a bed bug.
Bed bugs hide in a variety of places, such as the tufts and folds of mattresses and covers, cracks and crevices in furniture, and behind baseboards and window and door casings. If you have a severe infestation, you may also find them in wallpaper and electrical outlets.
The first step to avoiding a bed bug problem is to thoroughly clean your home. Washing and vacuuming will help to reveal any infestations. You should also seal mattresses and box springs in mattress bags that are designed to prevent bedbugs from escaping. You should remove items that are prone to becoming infested, such as clothing and shoes. Reducing clutter will also limit hiding spots.[19]
Ticks
Tiny black bugs look like poppy seeds, engorge themselves on a host’s blood, then drop to the ground and molt. Next, they develop into immature tick nymphs.
When you’re out and about, it’s crucial to wear a tick-repelling spray on your clothing, gear, and skin. You should also check your family and pets for ticks before heading inside after spending time outside.
Once you’re back indoors, it’s important to remove any ticks you find on your body and dispose of them properly. That includes rubbing them with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or iodine, says Dr. Webb.
Ticks can transmit several diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They can also spread babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and tularemia.
Ticks are most active during spring and summer. They hatch from eggs, develop through four stages (larvae, nymphs, and adults), and feed on hosts for two years or more.[20]
Black carpet beetles
The smallest dermestid beetles found in homes are the varied carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci), furniture carpet beetle (Anthrenus flavipes) and common carpet beetle (Anthrenus scrophulariae). They look like tiny black bugs.
They are usually about 1/8 to 3/16 inch long, with a shiny black appearance. They have rounded, domed bodies and can be mottled in color, which may make them appear spotted.
Adults feed on plant nectar and pollen, and will lay their eggs in dark secluded places. They often enter homes through cracks and crevices in exterior walls, through gaps around windows and doors, or through utility-line entrances.[21]
When an infestation occurs, the first step is to find the source of the problem. Lint-laden corners, heating system air ducts, dresser drawers, closets, and seldom used sofas in darkened areas are all good candidates for inspection.
Once the sources of the infestation have been identified, it is important to remove all infested items and treat the areas where they were found. Cracks and crevices can be treated with a fine dust such as diatomaceous earth or silica aerogel. Rugs can be spot-treated with residual sprays. In extreme cases, a fumigation treatment can be recommended. This will remove all living adults, larvae and pupae but does not offer any residual protection against reinfestation.
