13 Bugs That Look Like Black Sesame Seeds | Full Guide

Black sesame seeds and poppy seeds are common ingredients in many recipes, but did you know that small black specks on your furniture, carpets, or bedding could actually be bugs that look like black sesame seeds?

These insects are often difficult to identify due to their small size and dark color, and can quickly become a nuisance if left unchecked. Some of these bugs can even bite and cause skin irritation.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common bugs that resemble black sesame seeds, including bed bugs, carpet beetles, and fleas, as well as their eggs and feces that may be mistaken for seeds.

If you’re curious to learn more about these pesky critters and how to identify them, keep reading.

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Bugs That Look Like Black Sesame Seeds: What Are They

Identifying bugs that resemble black sesame seeds can be challenging, as they are often small in size and difficult to spot. and there are several types that you may come across in your home.

However, it’s important to be able to distinguish these insects from actual sesame seeds to prevent an infestation from becoming a bigger problem.

Here are some of the most common bugs that look like black sesame seeds. Let’s take a closer look at each of them

Bed Bugs

Among the bugs that look like black sesame seeds, bed bugs are one of the most notorious pests that can infest homes.

While their color may vary depending on their life stage and recent feeding, adult bed bugs are generally reddish-brown. However, they can appear black or dark brown, resembling black sesame seeds.

These tiny insects have a distinct oval shape and a flattened body, allowing them to easily hide in narrow cracks and crevices. Adult bed bugs typically measure around 5-7 millimeters in length, which is similar to the size of a black sesame seed.

Their small size and dark coloration make them adept at blending into bedding, furniture, and other areas of your home.

When identifying bed bugs, it’s important to note that they go through several developmental stages, and their appearance can change as they grow.

Young bed bugs, known as nymphs, are smaller in size and lighter in color. They may appear translucent or whitish-yellow, making them less similar to black sesame seeds.

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Aphids

Aphids are small insects that belong to the group of bugs that resemble black sesame seeds.

While they come in various colors, including green, yellow, and brown, some species can appear black, closely resembling tiny seeds.

These tiny bugs have soft bodies and pear-shaped figures. They are usually around 1-3 millimeters in length, making them similar in size to black sesame seeds. Their small size and dark coloration can make them challenging to spot on plants.

One characteristic feature of aphids is their ability to reproduce rapidly. They can multiply quickly, forming large populations in a short period.

This can result in significant damage to plants, as aphids feed by piercing the plant tissues and sucking out the sap. Their feeding activities can cause leaves to curl, turn yellow, and even distort the growth of the plant.

Identifying aphids can be done by examining the infested plants closely. Look for clusters or colonies of tiny insects on the stems, leaves, or even the underside of leaves.

Some species may also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants or create a shiny, sticky coating on the plant surfaces.

It’s worth noting that aphids can be found on a wide range of plants, including ornamental flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees.

Keeping a close eye on your plants and taking early action to control aphid infestations can help prevent further damage and ensure the health of your garden or plants.

Black Carpet Beetles

As their name suggests, these beetles have a dark black coloration, which closely resembles the appearance of black sesame seeds.

These small oval-shaped beetles measure around 2-5 millimeters in length, similar to the size of black sesame seeds. They have a hard outer shell and are known for their ability to infest various household items, particularly carpets, upholstery, and stored products.

One distinguishing characteristic of black carpet beetles is their ability to fly. While their wings are hidden beneath their wing covers, they can take flight when disturbed or seek new sources of food. However, they are not strong fliers and are often found crawling on surfaces.

Black carpet beetles have a diverse diet and can feed on a wide range of organic materials. They are attracted to items such as fabrics, fur, feathers, pet hair, and even dead insects.

Female beetles lay their eggs on or near these food sources, and the larvae hatch and feed on the materials as they grow.

Infestations of black carpet beetles can be identified by the presence of adults, larvae, or shed skins in the affected areas. Larvae of black carpet beetles are elongated and covered in tiny bristles, giving them a hairy appearance. They are typically brown in color and have a tapered shape.

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Fleas

Fleas are small, parasitic insects that are known for their ability to infest animals, including cats, dogs, and other furry mammals.

Fleas have a dark brown or black coloration, which closely resembles black sesame seeds. Their bodies are flattened from side to side, allowing them to move through the fur of their hosts with ease.

Fleas are well-adapted for jumping, thanks to their powerful hind legs that enable them to leap remarkable distances.

Identifying fleas on pets or in your home can be challenging due to their small size and agility. However, there are certain signs that can indicate their presence.

One common indication is excessive scratching and biting by the affected animal. Flea bites can cause irritation and discomfort, leading to intense itching.

Fleas go through a life cycle consisting of eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult stages. The eggs are small and white, but they are not easily visible to the naked eye. After hatching, the larvae develop in the environment, typically in areas where pets rest or frequent, such as bedding or carpeted areas.

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Springtails

Among the group of bugs that bear a resemblance to black sesame seeds, one noteworthy member is the springtail.

These tiny creatures, also known as snow fleas or snow bugs, may not be as widely recognized as some other pests, but they play an important role in the ecosystem.

Springtails are extremely small insects, measuring only about 1-2 millimeters in length. Their dark coloration, which can range from black to dark brown, often leads to their comparison with black sesame seeds.

However, it’s worth noting that springtails can come in various colors, including white, gray, and even metallic shades.

These fascinating insects derive their name from their unique ability to catapult themselves into the air using a spring-like structure called a furcula, located on the underside of their abdomen. This mechanism allows them to quickly escape from potential threats or unfavorable conditions.

Springtails are commonly found in damp environments such as soil, leaf litter, and decaying vegetation. They thrive in areas with high moisture levels, which explains their prevalence after rainfall or during the spring season.

While springtails are harmless to humans, their sudden appearance in large numbers can cause concern for homeowners. They are known to enter houses, particularly basements, and bathrooms, seeking moisture and suitable conditions.

However, their presence indoors is usually temporary, as they are unable to establish a long-term infestation.

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Ticks

Ticks are tiny arachnids that look like black sesame seeds. They live in wooded areas, grasslands, and even cities, and can attach themselves to passing mammals, birds, and reptiles to feed on their blood.

Identifying ticks can be difficult due to their small size, but they are typically dark in color and have a flattened, oval-shaped body.

Ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to humans and animals.

It’s important to take precautions when in tick-prone areas, such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent, and checking yourself for ticks after being outdoors. If you find a tick on your skin, use tweezers to remove it carefully to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

American Spider Beetles

American spider beetles are intriguing insects that fall into the category of bugs resembling black sesame seeds. These tiny beetles share certain characteristics that make them look similar to the seeds we often use in cooking and baking.

Identifying American spider beetles is relatively straightforward, as their appearance closely resembles that of black sesame seeds.

They have a small, elongated body shape, typically measuring around 2-4 millimeters in length. Their coloration ranges from dark brown to black, with a smooth and shiny texture.

One distinguishing feature of American spider beetles is their ability to produce silk-like threads, similar to those spun by spiders. These threads are used to create webs or cocoon-like structures, which contribute to their spider-like appearance and behavior.

However, it’s important to note that these beetles are not true spiders but rather belong to the beetle family Ptinidae.

American spider beetles are scavengers, feeding on a wide variety of organic matter. They are commonly found in homes, warehouses, and stored food facilities, where they seek out food sources such as grains, cereals, dried fruits, and spices.

Their presence in these environments can be a nuisance, as they may contaminate food products and cause damage to the packaging.

Drugstore Beetles

Drugstore beetles are often called by their common name because they are frequently found in homes, grocery stores, and pharmacies. Their scientific name is Stegobium paniceum.

Identifying drugstore beetles is easy because they look very similar to black sesame seeds in size, shape, and color. They are about 2-3 millimeters long and have an oval-shaped body with a reddish-brown to dark brown color, which makes them look like the tiny seeds they’re named after.

One unique characteristic of drugstore beetles is their ability to infest a wide range of stored products. They have a particular affinity for various dry food items, including grains, cereals, spices, dried fruits, tobacco, and even prescription drugs.

Due to their ability to chew through packaging materials, they can cause damage to stored goods and contaminate them with their presence and fecal matter.

Flea Beetles

These tiny beetles are usually black or brown in color and measure only about 1/16 to 1/8 inches in length, which is similar in size to black sesame seeds.

Flea beetles are common pests in vegetable gardens and farms, as they feed on the leaves of plants, leaving behind small holes that can damage the plant’s growth and appearance. They are also known to infest other plants, including ornamental flowers and shrubs.

Identifying flea beetles can be challenging, as they are small and can move quickly. However, their size, shape, and coloration can aid in their recognition. They have a flattened body and long hind legs, which allows them to jump like fleas when disturbed.

Moss Mites

Moss mites are tiny arachnids that are often found in damp, shady areas, particularly in mossy environments. These mites are usually less than 1mm in length, which is smaller than black sesame seeds. They can range in color from white to reddish-brown or black.

Identifying moss mites can be difficult due to their small size, These mites measure approximately 0.2-0.3 millimeters, making them barely visible to the naked eye. Despite their small stature, they can occur in large numbers, forming colonies on most surfaces.

Moss mites are usually translucent or pale in color, with some individuals displaying a dark or blackish hue. Their body shape is typically round or oval, and they have multiple legs that aid in their movement across moss and other moist surfaces.

While they are not harmful to humans or pets, their presence in large numbers on mossy surfaces may indicate an imbalance in the surrounding environment.

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Rice Weevils

Rice weevils are a type of insect that closely resemble black sesame seeds in size and shape. Scientifically known as Sitophilus oryzae, these small bugs are commonly found in stored grains such as rice, wheat, barley, and other cereal products.

Identifying rice weevils is relatively easy, as they measure about 2-3 millimeters in length and have an elongated and cylindrical body shape, much like black sesame seeds. They typically have a dark brown to black coloration, which makes them look similar to the tiny seeds they resemble.

One significant feature of rice weevils is their ability to infest stored grains and cause damage. Female weevils lay their eggs inside the grains, and the hatched larvae feed on the inner contents, leading to spoilage and contamination.

As a result, infested grains may exhibit signs of damage, such as holes and tunnels, and may also develop a foul odor.

Crab Lice

Crab lice, also known as pubic lice, are small parasitic insects that resemble black sesame seeds in size and shape. These insects infest hair, particularly in the pubic region but can also be found in eyebrows, eyelashes, and armpit hair.

Crab lice have a flattened body shape and measure around 1-2 millimeters in length. They are dark brown to black in color, which makes them look like black sesame seeds and contributes to their visual resemblance.

Crab lice are usually spread through close personal contact or sharing infested personal items. They attach themselves to hair shafts and feed on small amounts of blood from the scalp or affected areas.

Crab lice infestations can cause intense itching and irritation in the affected areas. Treatment typically involves using medicated shampoos or lotions that can be purchased over the counter and are specifically formulated to kill lice.

Bug Eggs That Resemble Sesame Seeds

These sesame seed-like objects also can be bug eggs. You may find those eggs in your home or garden. These eggs can be challenging to identify but being able to recognize them accurately is crucial in preventing infestations and protecting your home or garden from potential damage.

Here are some common bug eggs that resemble sesame seeds, along with tips on how to identify them.

Flea Eggs

• Flea eggs are tiny and usually white in color.

• These eggs are similar in size and shape to sesame seeds.

• They are oval-shaped and measure about 0.5 millimeters in length.

• Flea eggs are typically found on the host animal, but they can also be found in the surrounding environment, such as in carpets, bedding, and furniture.

Carpet Beetle Eggs

• Carpet beetle eggs are small and white, measuring about 1 millimeter in length.

• Their eggs, which are small and oval-shaped, bear a resemblance to sesame seeds.

• Carpet beetle eggs are often laid in dark, hidden areas, such as carpets, clothing, and furniture.

Ladybug Eggs

• Ladybug eggs are small and typically yellow or orange in color and are laid in clusters.

• They are oval-shaped and measure about 1 millimeter in length.

• Ladybug eggs are usually found in clusters on plant leaves, they can also be found in gardens and homes.

Stink Bug Eggs

• The eggs of stink bugs are barrel-shaped and have a slightly elongated form, resembling small brown sesame seeds.

• These eggs are usually found attached to the undersides of leaves or stems of plants.

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Feces Of Bugs That Look Like Poppy Seeds

Other than sesame seeds, you may also come across the feces of bugs that resemble poppy seeds. These tiny droppings left behind by certain insects can provide important clues about their presence.

Bed Bug Feces

• Bed bug feces are small, dark-colored specks that resemble poppy seeds.

• They are typically found in areas where bed bugs are present, such as on bedding or furniture.

Drywood Termite Feces

• Drywood termites are wood-damaging insects that live and feed within wooden structures.

• Their feces, also known as frass, are small, elongated pellets that resemble poppy seeds.

• These droppings can accumulate near infested wooden areas, such as windowsills or furniture, and are often a sign of a termite infestation.

Cockroach Droppings

• feces, which are small, cylindrical, and dark brown or black, bear a resemblance to poppy seeds.

• Cockroach droppings are typically found in areas where roaches are active, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or near food sources.

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Final Thoughts

There are various types of bugs, bug eggs, and feces that resemble black sesame seeds or poppy seeds. These small, oval-shaped objects can be challenging to identify, but being able to distinguish between them is essential for proper pest control.

Bug eggs that resemble sesame seeds can be found in a variety of areas, such as carpets, clothing, furniture, and gardens. Meanwhile, feces that resemble poppy seeds can be found in areas where certain pests are present.

If you’ve read this article to the end, you now have a better understanding of these bugs that look like sesame seeds and how to identify them. We hope this article has been helpful in informing you about the various types of pests that can be found in your home or garden.

FAQs

Resources – (for further reading)

Sterifab – Types of Mites, Their Habitat & Species

Encyclopedia Britannica – Aphid | Bedbug | List of beetles | Springtail | Tick

University of Kentucky – Flea Control and Prevention | Entomology