Bugs that Look Like Chia Seeds: Flax & Sesame Seed Lookalikes

Have you observed tiny bugs that look like chia seeds in your kitchen or around your house? This bug problem will gross out anyone, so you’re not alone!

10 Bugs That Look Like Seeds 

Learn how to distinguish and prevent them from coming in. We will see the ten different species of bugs that look very similar to seeds.

So, let’s take a closer look at this topic and read along to find out!

House Mites and Flour Mites

house dust mites look like sesame seed

These two mites look like sesame seeds to the naked eye. They are very tiny and will always get overlooked.

House mites thrive in your home and love the cozy environment. 

On the other hand, flour mites are attracted to your kitchen, specifically to dry foods. They are also very common in granaries.

Neither of these bugs spread diseases, but they’re still a concern for those with respiratory issues. Additionally, they can contaminate pet food and yours too which is a serious issue.

Rice Weevils

rice weevils are found in rice and flour. Rice weevils look like grain of rice

It’s easy to be able to identify these pantry bugs due to their distinctive long snout. They are particularly drawn to foods high in starch, like flour and rice.

The good news is that rice weevils are not a threat to your health. They don’t bite humans or animals, and they don’t spread diseases. The bad news however, is that these too will contaminate your food

Booklice

booklice excel to paste of the book bindings

These tiny insects are no larger than a sesame seed. They are more interested in harming your books and papers than spoiling your kitchen.

They excel in moist environments and often feed on the paste of the book bindings, damaging it over time.

Black Citrus Aphids

black citrus aphids look like chia seeds

They may look like black seeds, but do not confuse these dangerous insects with little black seeds. These aphids may not bite you, but they’ll suck the sap out of your plants. 

Black citrus aphids often appear in mixed groups to infest. Like any bugs, these too can make your food unfit for consumption

Deer Ticks

deer ticks and are dangerous, they look like sesame seed

Deer ticks love sucking on human blood and can carry serious diseases like Lyme and Morgellons. These ticks are black or dark brown and have 8 legs.

They’re also one of the smallest tick species, which makes them more difficult to find.

The eggs of deer ticks resemble sesame seeds and can be hard to get hold of it, especially if it is a large mass.

Shiny Spider Beetles

shiny spider beetles look like chia seeds

Have you ever spotted a shiny, eight-legged creature that resembles seeds? That’s the shiny spider beetle.

These little beetles don’t have a picky diet; they munch on a wide range of items. This includes your cereal, flour, and even your favorite sweaters! Surprisingly, you’ll see them even eating or nibbling on old furniture.

Thrips

thrips, Thrips are slender insects with fringed wings

Thrips are slender insects with fringed wings. They move around really quickly, making them difficult to deal with.

Thrips are abundant and you can find them anywhere in the world. 

Flea Beetles

flea beetle look like chia seeds

Flea beetles are like shiny insects that can hop just like any regular beetle. Think of these tiny black seed-like pests as a cross between a flea and a beetle.

Bedbugs

bed bugs. bed bugs look like flax seed

Bed bugs look like flax seeds that you’d find in the kitchen. Apple seeds might also look like these insects. Bedbugs are flat with an oval body and come in a reddish brown color. 

They can be annoying for both humans and pets. When they sneak in, they feed on your blood and bed bug bites can leave behind itchy marks on your skin

Finding yourself with dead bed bugs under your pillows is a clear warning sign: you might be sharing your bed with a whole family of these pests. It’s time to then take action against this bed bug infestation! 

Getting Rid Of These Critters and Bug Eggs

cleaning and vacuuming to get rid of bugs

I’ve found the right solution for you on how you can get rid of all the bugs mentioned. These pests will keep laying eggs too around, so there’s a solution for that too!

Here are some tips we compiled:

  • If you feel hesitant around bugs, then there is nothing wrong with calling a professional pest control company. They are experts who know how to handle beetle infestations efficiently. 

  • Clean and vacuum your carpets and furniture regularly. Pay extra attention to places they can creep in like floorboard covers or small holes.

  • Keeping your pantry clean is essential to ward off pests like weevils and flour mites.

  • Seal your grains like rice in air tight containers.

  • If there is any spill in the kitchen, clean it up immediately

  • Natural removers like diatomaceous earth and neem oil are preferred at first. If that does no seem to work, then resort to insecticides and insecticidal soap. 

  • Identify the places where these bugs lay eggs. This is important as soon enough, the larva will hatch. For example, flea eggs are usually found near carpets and upholstered furniture.

  • Throw away any infected items, I would not bother keeping it around my house.

  • Gather the bug eggs, droppings and any excrement they leave behind in a sealed bag. During this time, you should exercise necessary precautions like gloves and sanitizer. Proceed to then throw it away from the house.

  • Investing on a dehumidifier is a good idea too. It lowers the moisture keeping bugs and pests like booklice and other insects at bay.

  • If you are a gardener and find these so called seeds on plants, you have a few options. You could invest on row cover, invite beneficiary insects or use sprays.

Keeping Your Home Bug-Free

Now that you know more about these tiny bugs that look like seeds, you can take steps to prevent them from becoming unwanted guests in your home.

Remember, cleanliness is key, and properly storing food can go a long way toward keeping these pests at bay.

Good luck 🙂

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