Bugs in my walnut shell bedding.. It's freaking me out, man!

[artgecko]

Just found some tiny, beetle-like bugs (not mites) in my sand boas tank. She's been on walnut shell bedding for the last 3-4 months (same batch) and I've never seen these before... Apparently they're nocturnal as they were no where to be seen this morning. Also saw a larval stage. They don't appear to be bothering her, but they sure do creep me out.

Has anyone ever had this happen before and /or know what they might be? I don't have a camera with a macro lens or I'd try to get a pic. They are definitely insects, have 3 body segments, 6 legs, have a rounded body shape (not flat like a mite or tick) and are brownish orangish in color. They're about 2-3mm long..closer to 2. The larva are whitish Caterpillar looking guys.

I'm mainly concerned about whether or not these guys could spread outside of the tank or pose a hazard to the snake.

Thanks for your help!

[Bluebonnet Herp]

I'd just dump my bedding out and buy somewhere else if I were you. Or find a way to de-bug the bedding before putting it in the viv, which I've heard of freezing the substrate overnight before putting it in the tank.
After all, it's a sand boa tank, not a bug tank, right?

[Awaiting Abyss]

I had these recently in Lithir's walnut shell sand. Mine did not come in the sand, but moved into it. I changed the bedding and none are in the fresh sand.

They are cigarette beetles or drugstore beetles. They are harmless, but annoying. They are attracted to cereals, grains, spices and such. They love parsley and cyan pepper, so check those if you have it in your house. You have to completely dispose of them or they will just continue to return.

[artgecko]

Thanks for the info! They look like the cigarette beetles... Guess I'll be checking all my open dry goods for them too. I'll dump the bedding and replace with fresh.