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Alliums: Insect identifier

The_old_presbyteryThe_old_presbytery Posts: 20
in Problem solving
Hello,
I've noticed lots of tiny insects on each of my white alliums (see photos). Is anyone able to help identify them?
With thanks,
Tom 

Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    They look like carpet beetles to me. If they are, don't let them into your house!
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • JellyfireJellyfire Posts: 1,139
    I think they are Varied Carpet Beetles, don’t bring any of your alliums into the house!
  • JellyfireJellyfire Posts: 1,139
    They won't do any harm to your plants, they are feeding on the pollen, but if that wall in the pic is your house wall then don't open any windows near them until they have moved on, which I would think wont be too long.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Shut the windows. They can fly!
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • The_old_presbyteryThe_old_presbytery Posts: 20
    Thank you everyone for your very quick and helpful replies. The alliums are not near the house and I won't be bringing any indoors, so if they will not cause damage to the plants and are likely to move on soon anyway, happy days. 
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    edited May 2022
    They're after the pollen. They won't damage your plants. They're supposed to lay eggs in  bird's nest but they find carpets and clothes more accommodating for the larvae. The mature beetles then go for pollen for some reason. That's why you find them on your windowsill. They're trying to fly out.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
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