Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

What bugs have a hard shell and six legs?

Question: I have these little bugs, mostly in the kitchen on the counters. The counter is covered every morning with these little (about 1/8 inch) bugs. They have a hard shell, six little legs, and they don't move very fast. I put some in a ziplock baggie at 6 a.m., and at 5 p.m., they were still alive. Would you have an idea of what kind of bug these are? I live in West-Central Ohio.

Answer: Probably what you have seen in the cabinets is one of the several species of beetles that infest flour and meal. As a group, they are often called stored product beetles. There are several species, including the sawtoothed grain beetle, drugstore beetle, confused flour beetle, and cigarette beetle. They are also known as pantry pests because they will infest foods in your pantry.

Stored product beetles are common in nearly all households. Sometimes their numbers increase dramatically. They will infest a variety of food material, including flour, mixes, spices, noodles, and other grain- or flour-based material.

The best control is to remove everything from the cabinets. Inspect all of the food packages and discard what is infested. Then vacuum the cabinets very well. Your Orkin Pest Specialists can also provide some alternative treatments that should be attempted only by trained professionals. An Orkin Pro can also help you to conduct a thorough inspection of your kitchen and pantry areas to determine the source of the infestation. Call us for an inspection, assessment of the problem and a customized solution to the pest issue.

Ask Orkin

Get More Answers from Orkin

How to Control Ladybugs and Larvae Infestations

Q

Does your company offer a solution for getting rid of ladybugs?

What Do Bed Bugs and Eggs Look Like on Clothes?

Q

What do I do with the clothes?

How Long Does Ant Bait Take to Get Rid of Ants?

Q

Since my initial Orkin service one week ago, my ant problem has gotten worse. The ants are in the kitchen now, where initially they were not. What can be done to keep the ants at bay while waiting for extra service?

Can Bed Bugs Jump or Fly? | How do Bed Bugs Travel?

What is the cost for getting rid of ticks?

Q

What does Orkin charge to inspect a two-bedroom apartment?

How do I stop mice from getting inside the house?

Q

I have children and I'm curious how effective your services are for getting rid of mice once and for all.

How do I get rid of box elder bugs inside?

Q

Can you effectively get rid of box elder bugs from inside the house? Please tell me about the plan and how it works. What is the estimated cost?

What is the cost to get rid of wasps?

Q

How much does it cost to get rid of an infestation of mice in an apartment?

What should I look for when choosing a pest control company?

Q

What should I look for when choosing a pest control company/professional?

How do I keep spiders out of my home?

Q

How do I keep spiders out of my home?

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2023 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers