Beetle?

[pcassel]

I saw a black dot on our bathroom wall where I didn't remember a dot. It moved so I got my R7 to see if I could image it. It was moving as I took this snap. The camera's tracking did pick it up - much to my surprise since it's so tiny. It was moving when I snapped this. I'm curious - is it a beetle? Yes, I'm brand new to macro.

 

[Paul Iddon]

It's a carpet beetle - not the best of visitors.

Anthrenus verbasci.

Paul.

 

[pcassel]

Thanks, Paul. It's not much of a problem here since we have all hard floors.

 

[Bryan Conner]

Thanks, Paul. It's not much of a problem here since we have all hard floors.

They will also damage anything that is made of textiles or fabrics. Not just carpet which is just a common place for laying their eggs. Seeing just one is not concerning as it could have been brought in on something. However, if you continue to see them or find damaged clothes or towels etc, then you might have a problem. They are common in old bird nests as they like to eat animal products, so that is a common source.

 

[pcassel]

Thank you. I will keep this in mind. So far there's only one. I never expected my early try at macro would reveal such an issue.

 

[Only RF]

I think it’s George.

 

[Bryan Conner]

Thank you. I will keep this in mind. So far there's only one. I never expected my early try at macro would reveal such an issue.

I worked in the pest control industry for almost 20 years in Mississippi before moving to Germany and carpet beetle infestations are relatively rare, but they do happen. You will probably never see another one, but if you do, they are relatively easy to get rid of. If there is an infestation, you will know it now that you know what to look for.