Most people think of beetles as strictly outdoor insects, but beetles can actually make their way inside and cause a slew of problems for homeowners. Some species are after your pantry, some are after your clothes and furniture, and some cause structural damage to your home. Knowing which type of beetle infestation you’re dealing with can help you determine how to properly eliminate them. Here’s everything you need to know about house beetles:
Different Species
House beetles aren’t a single species; they’re multiple species that make up the vast majority of beetles that people see in their homes. Each species behaves a little differently, meaning that each type of infestation will bring different challenges.
Grain and Pantry Beetles
Grain and pantry beetles are small beetles that infest flour, rice, cereal and other dry goods in your pantry. The tricky part about these pests is that they infest and contaminate food before you even realize they’re there. Signs include tiny insects near food packaging, larvae or shed skins in dry goods, pinholes in boxes and bags, or a stale smell. They can quickly spread from one open package to another, so it’s important to do a full clean out if you suspect an infestation.
Carpet Beetles
Because they’re so tiny, carpet beetles are incredibly easy to overlook. They remain out of sight and do most of their damage undetected. This means that once you notice their presence, they’ve likely already done a significant amount of destruction. Their larvae feed on wool, silk, leather, fur and other fabrics, causing damage to your furniture and clothing. Signs of carpet beetles include small holes in fabric and upholstery, as well as shed skins in closets or furniture crevices.
Wood-Boring Beetles
As their name suggests, wood-boring beetles, which include powderpost and deathwatch beetles, cause damage to wood. This can be anything from furniture to structural components of your home. Their larvae, woodworms, spend months tunneling through and eating wood, weakening structures over time. When they become adults, they chew through the wood to exit. Signs of wood-boring beetles include small round exit holes and fine, sawdust-like frass.
Asian Lady Beetles
Often mistaken for ladybugs, Asian lady beetles are nuisance pests that invade homes in large numbers. They don’t cause damage or present health risks, but they’re certainly an eyesore that can be tricky to get rid of. Asian lady beetles enter people’s homes through cracks, gaps and other small entry points to overwinter. An easy way to tell the difference between Asian lady beetles and ladybugs is to look for the black “M” marking on their head.
What Causes a Beetle Infestation
Like most other pests, beetles invade homes in search of food sources. For some species of house beetles, that can be human food, while for others, it’s fabric. Excess moisture, especially if it leads to weakened or decaying wood, is another significant attractant. Entry points around your home, even the smallest of gaps and cracks, give beetles an easy way to come in and take up shelter. Even something as simple as bringing in secondhand furniture can introduce these pests to your home.
What You Can Do About Beetles
The right approach to getting rid of or preventing house beetles depends on which species you’re dealing with, which is why identification is always the first step. From there, you can tackle the culprits in a few different ways:
- Clean out food storage areas, tossing infested packaging and storing the rest in airtight containers.
- Vacuum regularly and properly store fabric and wool items.
- Control moisture and ensure wooden structures are in good condition.
- Seal entry points around your home before fall to keep out overwintering beetles.
Spotted signs of a beetle infestation in your home? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Waukee pest control pros at Pro-Staff for help! Call us at (402) 819-7378 or contact us online today for a free inspection.
