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Small Flying Black Bugs from Infested Dog Food: Dermestid Beetles

A homeowner traces an infestation to dry dog food with visible holes. Bugs are attracted to white/light areas and windows, now in all rooms.

Expert Answer: These are dermestid carpet beetles, common in dry pet food. Locate and discard infested items, clean thoroughly, then treat cabinets/drawers with low-toxicity dust insecticide. Details at carpet beetle guide.

— Jack DeAngelis

Pests: Tiny Hard-Shelled Black Bugs in House: Carpet Beetles; Red & Black Bugs Under Italian Cypress: Boxelder Bugs?; Fungus Gnats in Houseplants: Sticky Traps, Drier Soil, and Nematodes; Tiny Flying Bugs on Houseplants: Aphids, Mites, or Flea Beetles?; Dealing with Flying Black Bugs in Your Pantry: Identification and Control; Oncidium Tiny Black Leaf Spots: Usually Harmless, Sometimes a Warning; Eliminating Fungus Gnats: A Step-by-Step Soil-Drying Method; Pansy Pests in Greenhouse: Flea Beetles or Fungus Gnats?; Whiteflies on Gardenia: Identification, Treatment, and Spray Coverage; Identifying and Managing Small Biting Flies in the Garden

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