Beetles can be a nuisance to homeowners, and getting rid of them can be challenging. However,  it's essential to understand why they're in your house first so you can take steps to eliminate them. So, why are there beetles in my house, and what can I do about it?

Why Are There Beetles in My House?

Beetles are in your house because they are attracted to areas providing food, shelter, and warmth. That means that if you have food particles on the floor or countertops, beetles will be drawn to them. Furthermore, if you have wood-boring beetles such as powderpost beetles, they may already have invaded the wooden structure of your house.

Beetles also may be attracted to areas that are humid and provide warmth, such as attics, basements, or crawl spaces. It's essential to keep your home free from excess moisture and ensure no holes in the walls, windows, or doors where beetles can enter.

Beetles can be found in many places, including gardens and fields. If your home is near these areas, beetles may be drawn to the house by light or odors. It is vital to have the contact of a licensed exterminator like Self Control Pest to identify the type of infestation you have and employ the proper methods of extermination. 

What Are the Different Types of Beetles?

Beetles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. As a homeowner, you need to identify the specific type of beetle in your home so that you can apply the proper methods to eradicate them. The following are some of the most common beetles found in houses:

• Carpet Beetles:  These small, oval-shaped insects feed on fabrics, carpets, and other fabrics containing animal products. They undergo three stages of life, including larvae, pupae, and adult beetles. The adult can grow up to 4mm long.
• Powderpost Beetles: Wood-boring agents feed on structural wood items such as furniture, flooring, and doors. The heads cannot be seen from above since it is hidden by the thorax. They are usually found in areas with excessive moisture, such as basements and crawl spaces. Powderpost beetles can cause significant damage to wood items.
• Cigarette Beetles: These look similar to drugstore beetles and feed on dried plant material, including spices and cereals. They have serrated antennae, reddish-yellow or brownish-yellow coloring, three dark spots on their wings, and are fairly strong. Cigarette beetles are usually found in the kitchen, cupboards, and other areas where food is stored.
• Leaf Beetles: These beetles feed on leaves and other plant materials, such as shrubs, flowers, and trees, and can quickly become a nuisance. They are found in rainfall areas and are attracted to light sources or open doors. Leaf beetles have a bright green color with black stripes, resembling a tiny caterpillar. When in large numbers, they can cause considerable damage to plants.

What Damages Can Beetles Cause?

Though most beetles are harmless, some can cause considerable damage and be costly to repair. The following are some of the damages beetles can cause:

• Fabric damage: Carpet beetles and clothes moths feed on fabrics, carpets, and other items containing animal-based products. This can lead to costly damage that needs to be repaired or replaced.
• Wooden structure damage: Powderpost beetles bore into wooden items and can cause significant damage to furniture and other structures in your home.
• Plant damage: Leaf beetles and stink bugs feed on plants, shrubs, and trees, causing significant damage to the foliage.
• Food damage:  Cigarette beetles can contaminate food items such as cereals and spices due to their strong presence in kitchen areas.

How to Prevent Beetle Infestations

You can take several steps to help prevent beetle infestations in your home. This way, you will save yourself from expensive repairs and the hassle of dealing with beetle infestations. The following are some of the steps you can take to reduce the risk of beetle infestations:

Keep Your Home Clean

Vacuum and dust regularly, especially in areas where food is stored. Ensure you clean any food crumbs and residue from the floor. Beetles love to feed on these particles; whenever they are available, they flock to them.

You can keep these pests away by storing food items in airtight containers. Also, use bay leaves in your pantry and cupboards to repel them.

Check for Entry Points

Check for cracks, gaps, or openings in your home's structure. Look for holes around windows and doors as these can be beetle entry points. Seal off these cracks to prevent the entry of beetles into your home.

You can use insect screens on windows and retrofit door sweeps to make sure there are no openings in the areas where beetles can enter.

Inspect Items Before Bringing Them into the House

Check your furniture, clothes, and other items to ensure they are free from beetle infestations. If you find any signs of an infestation, do not bring them into your home as a precautionary measure.

Remember that beetles reproduce quickly; a single beetle can quickly become an infestation. So it is advisable to either fumigate or discard infested items to prevent further damage.

Hire a Professional

If you have a lot of reasons to use pest control and suspect a beetle infestation in your home, do not attempt to do pest control yourself if you don't have the necessary expertise and experience. Instead, hire a professional pest control expert to inspect and treat your home for beetle infestations.

Self Control Pest is your trusted professional pest control company that can help eliminate beetle infestations in your home. We use safe and practical solutions to keep your house safe and pest-free. Contact us today for a free inspection and quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Colors Do Beetles Come In?

Beetles come in various colors, ranging from black, brown, red, and orange to yellow and green. Some beetles even have brightly colored spots or stripes on their bodies.

Do Beetles Bite?

Most beetle species do not bite humans. However, some beetles may bite if they feel threatened or disturbed. Always use caution when handling beetles, so you don't fall victim to their bites.

Conclusion

Beetles can become a major problem if not dealt with properly. The key to keeping your home beetle-free is prevention. Pest control is important and taking the necessary steps to prevent infestations can help keep beetles from invading your home. Pest control is worth it, so make sure to contact Self Control Pest to eliminate the problem if you suspect an infestation.