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All You Need To Know About Beetles
All You Need To Know About Beetles
Beetles are very common insects that come in many sizes, shapes and colours and can be found all over the world. They belong to the insect order named Coleoptera, and there are more than 250,000 species of beetles in the world. Some are long and slender (the click beetles) while others are oval or rounded (lady beetles, June beetles and more), and there are even some that look like spiders.
They have well-developed antennae and chewing mouthparts, and their front wings are known as elytra. They fold over the back wings and protect the beetle against damage and dehydration. Despite having wings, they are known as poor fliers and that’s why you will most likely find them crawling on the floor or surfaces, instead of flying around.
What Do Beetles Eat?
Some species are beneficial for the environment and humans, while others are considered pests. They feed on plants, fabric, wood, small insects or animal fibre. Sometimes they can kill other harmful insects around the house and garden, but they can become harmful when they feed on crops and home items, and destroy them.
They usually lay the eggs near the food source, and then the larvae will feed on that plant. Beetles have a life cycle made of four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The length of each cycle depends on each species. Some beetles develop very fast and can make multiple generations in one year, while others take multiple years to grow. If the larvae have a lot of food to feed on, the length of the life cycle is shortened and they can multiply faster.
Harmful Beetles
Besides those that feed on crops, there are also species like the carpet beetle that eat natural fibres and feathers. This means that they can damage woollens and other types of fabric. Another species, the powderpost beetles, feed on bamboo and hardwood, which means that they can attack and destroy furniture and other items made of wood. So if you notice them around your home or garden, it’s time to call a specialist.
Beneficial Beetles
The lady beetle (commonly known as the ladybug) feeds on pests of plants such as aphids and mealybugs. They are beneficial for gardens and should not be killed. This is why it is important to call a specialist instead of trying to get rid of the beetles yourself, as you only want to remove the harmful ones and keep the beneficial species.
While being beneficial in the spring and summer time, in the late autumn ladybugs can also become pests. They get clustered in large number outside of homes and are trying to invade them, looking for a shelter during the winter.
How Do You Get Beetles?
Different species are attracted by different materials around your home or garden. Some species look for growing plants, wood or fabric, while others seek stored grains and packaged foods. They may also enter the home through opened windows and doors, cracks in the walls or they can be accidentally brought inside along with the infested products.
As mentioned above, during the autumn and early winter they seek for shelter and they want to enter the home to avoid the cold weather. Once they get inside, they can hide in firewood, lumber, potted plants, food packages and furniture.
How Serious Are Beetles?
The types of beetles that require treatment are the:
- Fabric infesting beetles
- Food eating beetles
- Wood destroying beetles
- Crop eating beetles
While they may seem harmless at first, they can become a nuisance once they start feeding on:
- Stored food
- Clothes
- Crops
- Décor
- Furniture
Get Rid of Beetles Now!
If your home or yard are seriously infested by beetles, then it’s time to call a specialist! Safeguard Pest Control is a family owned and operated company that has been operating since 1989. We have extensive knowledge and experience in this field, and can provide you with professional results.
We will begin by inspecting your home and find out where the problem is and what species of beetles is bothering you. We will then come up with an action plan and get you informed about the treatment methods and the costs.
Whether you have issues with wasps, moths, bees, termites, lawn grubs, mice, rats, geckos, fleas, mosquitoes, flies, bed bugs, Silverfish, pantry pests, beetles or ticks, we are here to help!
Book your Safeguard treatment now by calling 07 5477 6675 or emailing info@safeguardpestcontrol.com.au and allow us to protect your family against these annoying insects.
How To Get Rid of Beetles?
There are various methods available, depending on the species and the number of insects on your property:
- If you just see 1 or 2 beetles in your home, you can simply remove them using a vacuum or a paper handkerchief. You can also kill them with a slipper, as they are not very fast
- Make sure to inspect any stored food, fabrics or wooden items that you bring inside the home, in order to avoid bringing the beetles as well. If you find any infested fabrics or wooden items, throw them away immediately
- Seal all cracks in the walls or spaces near windows and doors where beetles can crawl in. Also try to keep all doors and windows closed, especially during the night when lights in the house are turned on. It seems that most species are attracted to light
- Keep your kitchen and pantry clean and well sanitised. Seal food containers and bags so you don’t attract these insects
Throw away old fabrics and food to prevent beetle infestation
If the number of beetles gets out of control, then it’s time to call a specialist
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