House beetle identification

Question: Hi. Our house is full of these small beetles that are attracted to bright windows. They seem to be getting worse. I find 40-50 per day. Can you help identify them and tell me how to get rid of them? I prefer non-pesticides. Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 06, 2023, 1:50 PM EDT
response: Sara: These beetles look like what are called fungus beetles. They do come in difference colors ands shapes. The presence of these beetles means a likely moisture problem possibility due to rain or rain damage. I would check your roof for evidence of leaks, your bathroom, shower stalls, tubs, window stills, door frames, dish washer, and refrigerators for any water damage or mold. Let me know if you have additional questions. Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 06, 2023, 2:03 PM EDT
response: Hi Rich.  Thank you so much for looking into this for me.  I’ve also found them on the carpets and wondered if they could be a kind of carpet beetle.  If anything they have gotten worse this winter, not better.  I’m worried they may be nesting in the heating vents.  I have forced air heat.  They have also been hiding in the drapes.I will look into moisture issues but I’m not aware of any leaks.  Our roof is in really good shape, no evidence of leaks in walls, but I’ll investigate further.Is there such a thing as carpet beetles?   On Apr 6, 2023, at 10:50 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 06, 2023, 2:09 PM EDT
response: Yes, but your beetles do not match those of carpet beetles. It does not need to be a leak but can be standing water like in the pans under refers and AC units. Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 06, 2023, 3:05 PM EDT
response: Ok Rich. Thank you! I will investigate my house for moisture. Sent from my iPhone On Apr 6, 2023, at 11:09 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 07, 2023, 12:04 PM EDT
response: Most welcome

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 19, 2023, 1:38 PM EDT
response: Hi again. Do you think thermal treatment would work? Am using dehumidifier but the problem is exploding. There are bed bug specialists who use high heat and fan treatments. The problem seems to be in our basement and moving through our vents. What temp would you think would kill them?Thank you!SaraSent from my iPhone On Apr 7, 2023, at 9:04 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 19, 2023, 3:26 PM EDT
response: Sara: I think you may have given me some important information about your pest problem. You stated the problem may be in the basement and they move through the vents. That fits these beetles. When I wrote of moisture being a possible source of your problem, the moisture need not be open water but could be wet/moist surfaces especially if mold is present. I would do a search of your basement with that in mind. Yes, it true one of the treatments for bed bugs is heat but that method has not to my knowledge been used on fungus beetles. I do not think this would be a good process. You have been one of many experiencing this problem with fungus beetles due to our wet and cold spring. I hope this helps. Let me know of any additional questions. Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 19, 2023, 3:42 PM EDT
response: Hi Rich.  I guess knowing others are dealing with this makes me feel a little better.  I will do my best to clean out damp things in basement but was hoping heat treatment might help, based on reading this article.  They have proliferated to the point where we are seeing 50 beetles/day upstairs.  Downstairs in basement, there are just lots of dead ones.What do you think?https://pctonline.com/article/preventing-the-rise-of-fungus-beetle-infestations/Sara  On Apr 19, 2023, at 12:26 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 21, 2023, 12:31 PM EDT
response: Sara: I have heard of using heat as a treatment for Bed Bugs. The heat is effective. I have not heard of using heat on fungus beetles but am not surprised it is now being used and may be effective. I have not read of any results with heat but it’s also new so that choice is yours. I will add however that unless you find and solve the food source of the fungus beetles they will likely return. If you go with this treatment solve this as well. Let me know what you do and the results. Rich