What are beetles?

All beetles have hard outer wing cases, known as elytra, and a hard upper body, called a carapace. The elytra cover the membranous flight wings and form a straight line down the back. They all have chewing mouthparts, powerful jaws, and antennae of up to 11 segments.

Where are beetles found?

Some species of beetle can be beneficial, eating garden pests like aphids. However, others can be extremely destructive to your home or business.

Both larvae and adult beetles can damage furniture, carpets, decor, packaged goods, and clothing, as well as leave behind unsightly clues of their infestation.

What do I do if I have beetles?

Seeking food and shelter, they usually invade your home through cracks in the foundation or gaps around window frames and doors.

They are also known to hitch a ride indoors in firewood, lumber, furniture, potted plants, or packages being delivered. Sometimes owners unknowingly bring in already-infested products.

While many beetles like to avoid the cold weather by setting up a home on your property, they have very varied tastes when it comes to food.

Some species of beetle are attracted by healthy trees, wooden structures, and wood products,, while others prefer carpet, furs, leathers, wools, and silk, or crops and stored food.

How do I prevent beetles?

As with the signs of infestation, most preventive measures for assuring protection from them depend on the species. For them that feed on wood, such as wood-boring and powder post, perhaps the most effective prevention comes from using products like varnish in finished wood products. Varnishing seals old holes and prevents new eggs from being laid or hatched. In order to treat trees, early detection remains crucial. For Their feeding on interiors, such as carpet beetles, prevention may prove difficult, as the insect finds food in obscure places quite easily. Proper sanitation and exclusion may prove to be the most beneficial way to eliminate carpet beetles. Before purchasing foodstuffs, inspect the packaging carefully for those who feed on crops and grains. Store dry goods in sturdy, airtight containers and keep areas where food is stored clean. Remove older products and goods as necessary. Appropriately labeled products can be used to control and manage infestations. Calling a trained and qualified pest professional is the best to completely eradicate any active beetle infestation.