Beetle Pest Control

Beetles are frequently confused with cockroaches due to their similar size and color. Adult Beetles can be identified by the look and feel of their wings and wing covers. They have an outer set of wings which are hard and thick to protect their extremely fragile flying wings. They also have chewing mouthparts and well-developed antennae. There are more than 25,000 Beetle species found in North America alone, but the most common types found around homes and businesses belong to one of the three basic groups, which are food product beetles, wood destroying beetles, and fabric infesting beetles. Outside, Beetles can cause damage to your garden, grass, or landscape. Inside, they can infest food products and damage any items made of fabric, wool, and wood.

Beetles remain close to their source of food, so the species of the beetle and what they feed on will dictate where they live in a home or business. For instance, beetles that feed on plants will live near potted plants or floral arrangements, while beetles that feed on fibrous materials will live in or near things like clothing or upholstered furniture. Beetles are able to live in a variety of places, like rugs and carpets, pantries, small cracks and crevices, and behind baseboards. However, they tend to gravitate towards areas that are not often used by humans. Some such places include basements, attics, crawl spaces, and cabinets.

Beetles enter buildings seeking food and shelter. During the colder months, they need a place to live that will protect them from the weather, which most buildings provide. In terms of food, different types of beetles are attracted to different food sources. Some are attracted to stored foods, such as grains, while others such as the carpet beetle and wood-boring beetles are attracted to natural fibers and fabric or wood. They can enter homes and businesses in a variety of ways. Some entry points include cracks in the foundation and any gaps around doors and windows. They may also enter by hiding in things like delivered packages, used or outdoor furniture, potted plants or floral arrangements, and firewood.

Beetles may swarm and cluster outside of homes and businesses in warmer, dry weather. In colder, wet weather, they tend to invade buildings in search of food and shelter. Some beetle types will die out in cold weather, and some will enter diapause, which is similar to hibernation. Other types, however, will adapt to an indoor living environment for the duration of the colder months. These types are the reason homes and businesses may see an influx of beetle infestations during cold weather.

An essential step in avoiding a beetle infestation is ensuring any gaps, cracks, or spaces that could lead inside are filled or fixed. This includes spaces surrounding doors and windows, cracks in the foundation and exterior walls, and gaps around utility lines and appliance vents. The kitchen, including the pantry and cabinets, should be kept clean and organized and food should be kept in tightly sealed containers. Moisture will attract more insects, and should be kept at bay. Excess clutter inside and outside homes and businesses should be removed, as it may provide the living conditions that beetles seek. To get rid of beetles on your property call EXCEL today and have one of our experts visit you.