Some Ripon residents are looking for answers after reporting an ongoing bug problem inside homes in the Vineyards neighborhood near Mistlin Sports Park.

The concern was brought to Our Ripon by resident Shannon Zubak, who said she first noticed small bugs in her home a few years ago and initially believed it was an isolated issue.

Zubak purchased her home in the Vineyards in October 2018. She said the problem started with small insects appearing in different areas of her home, including rugs, drawers and cupboards. At the time, she said a pest control company told her the insects were likely related to stored food or pet food.

For years, Zubak said she treated the problem as something happening only in her home. She continued regular pest control service, had the inside and outside of her home treated, deep cleaned the house and placed food items in airtight containers.

The problem, she said, continued.

“I discovered last week that it’s not a me problem,” Zubak wrote in an email to Our Ripon. “It’s a whole neighborhood problem and not only that, it’s a Ripon problem.”

Residents discussing similar issues online

Zubak said she recently learned that other residents were also talking about similar bug issues in neighborhood Facebook groups and local Ripon social media pages.

That discovery changed how she viewed the problem.

She said it was comforting to realize she was not the only one dealing with the issue, but also troubling because residents still do not have clear answers about why the insects are showing up in multiple homes.

“Everybody dealing with the issue wants answers,” she wrote.

According to Zubak, residents have reported finding the bugs in kitchens, cupboards and other areas inside their homes. She described the issue as overwhelming and said it has affected her ability to feel comfortable in her own home.

In one example, she said she recently found a live bug in her microwave after her home had been sprayed inside. In another, she said she found one crawling in a bowl while eating.

“Imagine having to live like that,” she wrote.

San Joaquin County contacted

Zubak said at least one neighbor contacted the San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, and county staff came out the same day to take pictures and collect specimens.

In a follow-up email, Zubak said the insects were identified as red flour beetles and that an investigation had started. She said she was told the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office was reaching out to the City of Ripon and consulting with an entomologist from the California Department of Food and Agriculture who specializes in beetles.

Our Ripon has reached out to the San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office for comment and will provide a follow-up story once we receive a response.

What are red flour beetles?

Red flour beetles are commonly considered stored-product or pantry pests. They are often associated with grain products, flour, cornmeal, cereal, nuts, dried fruit, pet food, bird seed and other dry goods.

Because they are so small, they can be difficult for homeowners to spot until the problem becomes more noticeable.

Zubak said the reported identification helped explain why residents may have first thought the issue was isolated to their own homes or food storage.

However, she said the number of residents reporting similar problems has raised broader questions about whether there is a common source in the area.

Residents question possible source

Some residents have questioned whether nearby orchards, agricultural activity or processing operations could be contributing to the problem. Zubak said she is not blaming farmers or any specific business, but believes the issue should be investigated because so many people appear to be dealing with the same concern.

“I’m not saying it’s them,” she wrote. “But now that I know it’s not just me, I’m saying there’s a common denominator somewhere here in this town and there needs to be a resolution.”

At this point, there has been no confirmed public finding that nearby orchards or processing facilities are the source of the insects.

Concerns over quality of life and home values

Beyond the frustration of dealing with the bugs, Zubak said she is also concerned about what the issue could mean for homeowners.

She raised concerns about disclosure during home sales, property values and new homes being built near areas where residents are already reporting problems.

Zubak said she worked hard to purchase her home and worries the issue could affect resale value if it continues or becomes more widely known without a solution.

“This issue has been completely overwhelming to me,” she wrote.

Residents looking for answers

Zubak said she is encouraged that the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office appears to be looking into the issue, but she also hopes residents receive answers soon.

She said the situation should be taken seriously because it appears to be affecting more than one household.

For now, residents are being encouraged to document what they are seeing, take photos when possible, save specimens if they can, and contact the appropriate county or city agencies with concerns.

Residents who believe they are experiencing a similar issue may also want to contact a licensed pest control professional and report concerns to the San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office.

Our Ripon will continue following this issue and will publish an update after receiving a response from the San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office.