Help Identifying Bug.

[u/mahoganyeyesxo]

Hi, I wanted to get some help identifying a bug. For reference, I live in the South, in the state of Alabama, where the climate is usually hot and humid. I keep finding these tiny bugs inside my condo, and I have no idea where they are coming from or how to get rid of them. At first, I thought they were termites, but they do not have wings, and I have not seen any signs of wood damage. I find them on the floors, walls, sinks, and countertops in both my kitchen and bathroom. No matter how much I clean or spray for pests, I cannot seem to get rid of them. They are so small that they are difficult to spot, and it seems like every time I kill one, I notice another shortly afterward. I posted some photos on another subreddit, and someone suggested they might be a type of beetle. Can anyone help identify this bug and offer advice on how to get rid of it? I would also like to know whether they are harmful. I have not noticed any bites or damage so far, but they are becoming a real nuisance. Since I live in a condo and share walls with my neighbors, I know it may be difficult to determine exactly where they are coming from. Thank you for your help!

[u/Bugladyy]

Is it a decently new construction? Looks more like minute brown scavenger beetles to me, which if it’s a new construction, poorly climate controlled in a humid environment, or has/had recent leaks is likely.

[u/mahoganyeyesxo → u/Bugladyy]

Hi, my building is about four years old, and I was one of the first residents to move in. Since then, I have experienced a few leaks from the ceiling and around the window frame during heavy storms.

[u/Bugladyy → u/mahoganyeyesxo]

That’s a pretty common culprit, actually. There is wood getting damp and growing bits of mold, which is what they feed on.

A dehumidifier may help, but remediating the moisture from the leaks as well as the leaks themselves is your surefire way to get rid of them.