Question
What insect leaves behind a cluster of tiny brown specks? I kept finding them on my bathroom counter & now they have spread to my kitchen & other bathroom counters. They wipe off easily with a damp cloth. I used bombs throughout the house the other day but they are still showing up. I live in the country on a ranch in east Texas.

Answer
Jennifer,

Look carefully at these brown specks with a magnifying glass if you have one handy. If the specks are moving they are probably grain, or mold mites. These tiny mites feed on mold that grows on damp surfaces. They are common in grain storage facilities that are allowed to become too damp and moldy. They are also common in kitchens and bathrooms where dampness allows for mold to grow. Check around for leaks that might be causing mold growth. If you solve the moisture problem the mites will go away. There's no need to use insecticides. Take a look at this page http://www.livingwithbugs.com/mites.html for some pictures and general information about mites.

If the specks are not moving I'm afraid I don't know what they are. There are no insects that leave these kind of marks.

I hope this is useful.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
Extension Entomologist (ret.)
author Living with Bugs: http://www.livingwithbus.com/bug_book.html