Tiny black beetle

[Maz]

Update found another one this month whenever I find them they are not in her burrows just at top or outside of enclosure although the last time was on top wooden items since been deep cleaned. Just wondering if this means I have to do a full deep clean. Or can just deal with them when I see them? I.e 1 a month. So worried about stressing her doing a full cage deep clean. I have another smaller cage. If I have to do it il do it but I can’t seem to find any signs of infestation so I don’t want to jump the gun. My mental health is very bad just now so it seems quite overwhelming to do.

If it's on top or outside of the enclosure, I wouldn't do a full cage clean, it's probably just one that hasn't died yet and headed for the enclosure As @Socks' Mum says, maybe best to just remove it. There probably won't be any more. I think if you found some in the enclosure then maybe think about a cage clean. Sorry you're having this - I know the feeling - makes you keep looking! I remember when I had the moth thing, I thought every little mark on the wall was a moth!

 

[Annette22]

This is what it looks like

 

[Annette22]

Like I said not in her burrow on top inside plastic door or on wooden item

 

[Annette22]

Is inside tho which worries me but like I said I’ve not found any in burrows

 

[Maz]

Ah right so inside the enclosure and on top of something plastic? Assume it’s been taken out? Maybe just have a poke around and that should reassure you that there aren’t any more.

 

[Annette22]

This one was in the inside door of the enclosure at the top. The others last month where on a wooden platform which I cleaned.

 

[Maz]

Hmm sounds like it climbed in?

 

[Annette22]

Here’s hoping like I said when doing burrow spot cleaning not seen anything but will be keeping extra close eye. Thanks everyone

 

[Maz]

That all sounds positive if nothing seen when burrow cleaning and spot cleaning . Go away black beetles and give Annette some peace!

 

[Annette22]

I know I freaked myself out by posting on Reddit what is this bug and people were freaking me out saying it’s carpet beetle infestation and I was like I have seen like 3 beetles over to few months? I’m pretty sure it’s not an infestation but my anxiety was like ahhh. my partner says they were likely trolling me and not actually professional pest experts like they said and not to go on Reddit anymore

 

[Annette22]

I just found another one tonight crawling across her wooden platform. I killed it but i dropped it in some bedding. Think it’s unavoidable and il have to deep clean?
I’m so worried about how it’s going to stress her. Is there any tips has anyone had to do similar and how did their little one cope.

 

[Annette22]

I’m also worried because I could remove it from bedding after squashing

 

[Annette22]

I’m also worried because I could remove it from bedding after squashing

Sorry I mean after I squashed it fell
Into bedding and I couldn’t get it

 

[Maz]

Oh no - more than one. I wouldn’t worry about squashed dropped ones. It’ll be dead - hamster might find it a tasty snack.

How about an investigative clean and then decide whether to do a full clean. Ie - take everything out of the cage including the bedding. If you don’t find anything eise - you could put it all back again. If they are in there they must be coming from somewhere.

It could be an idea to do a full cage clean - I think you already disinfected or baked the wood items didn’t you?

If you don’t find anything eise evidence of grubs or more beetles then the chances are they came from somewhere else and got into the cage - maybe attracted by warm hamster bedding or food. I think originally they were on a plant in the bathroom weren’t they?

They are some kind of beetle but I think carpet beetles are a bit bigger than that.

 

[Annette22]

Hi so update. Deep cleaned the whole cage and felt awful. I had to clean it with safe4 disinfectant then rinsed with steam cleaner. I got in all the nooks and crannies so hopefully that’s it’s dealt with.
My worry now is Bucastate has some gaps between Perspex and metal grate. I dried as best I could but didnt think to use a hairdryer.)it was also 11pm at night. Dried with paper towels but not possible to get between Perspex and metal. I’m worried that there will be damp now? Or will any residual water jut be absorbed by the packed in bedding?
This whole thing has just been incredibly stressful for us all.

 

[Annette22]

My wee Mindy was so worried when she was back in. I’ve dumped food and treats that were open and her other food has been frozen for 4 plus days.

 

[Socks' Mum]

I know I freaked myself out by posting on Reddit what is this bug and people were freaking me out saying it’s carpet beetle infestation and I was like I have seen like 3 beetles over to few months? I’m pretty sure it’s not an infestation but my anxiety was like ahhh. my partner says they were likely trolling me and not actually professional pest experts like they said and not to go on Reddit anymore

Yes, Reddit can be misleading

 

[Socks' Mum]

Doing a full cage clean can be very satisfying.

 

[Annette22]

I did use vacuum as well after drying with paper towels so hopefully this sucked any excess as well

 

[Maz]

It’ll be fine - the corners will dry naturally and a bit of moisture there won’t matter. You know there’ll be nothing from the cage now. I’m sure Mindy will settle again soon - just give her plenty of extra treats and maybe hide them in various locations - that helps distract them . If the treats are all in the freezer you could use human grade ones . Eg a half walnut or other nut - human grade pumpkin seeds etc