What are the little small brown bugs that are found on kitchen counters and cupboards?

The small brown bugs found in kitchen cupboards and on kitchen counters are grain or flour beetles. According to the Michigan State University, there are two common beetles that tend to infest kitchens.

The first type of beetle is the saw-toothed grain beetle. This beetle is small and reddish-brown, and it tends to infest flour, pasta, cereal, nuts and spices. The second type of beetle is the confused flour beetle. The confused flour beetle is reddish-brown in color. The confused flour beetle infests flour, dried fruit, nuts and spices. Both types of beetles can be prevented by keeping susceptible foods in well-sealed packages.