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Types of Beetles in Your House

YESpestpros • August 15, 2020

You might be a fan of The Beatles, but you’re probably not a fan of real beetles, especially in your house.

As the weather changes this fall, you may notice an influx of beetles making their way into your home. Beetles generally don’t harm humans, but several species of beetles can pose a threat to your property. A beetle infestation can even cause structural damage to your home. 

Here are some common types of beetles in Indiana and what you can do to prevent beetles from making a home in your house.  

Asian Lady Beetles

More commonly known as ladybugs, Asian lady beetles are usually yellow, red, or orange with black dots on their wings and white dots on their head. 

“The Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis, was introduced to help control aphid and scale populations in orchards and field crops. The good news is it worked.” says the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. “The bad news is with its high numbers and habit of amassing on homes in the fall, this insect has become a major nuisance for homeowners.”

Ladybugs can give off an unpleasant odor and may appear in large numbers around your home. 

Lyctus Beetles

The long and slender Lyctus beetle is a powderpost beetle species, which is known for damaging wood and structures. Black or reddish-brown in color and less than 1/4-inch long, Lyctus beetles can bore into hardwood.  

“Sub-flooring, hardwood flooring, joists, sills, plates and interior trim are the parts of buildings most frequently attacked,” says Gary W. Bennett of Indiana’s Purdue University. “If infestations in wood are not treated, the structural strength of the wood can eventually be seriously depleted.”

If you have a Lyctus beetle infestation, it’s important to act fast to eliminate the pests before your home sustains severe damage. 

Carpet Beetles

Named for their meal of choice, carpet beetles feed on natural fibers and other organic matter. There are a variety of carpet beetles, each varying in color and shape. They are usually about  1/8-inch long, and adults are brown or black. 

“Carpet beetle larvae prefer to feed in dark, protected places, consuming and damaging wool, fur, silk, cashmere, feathers, bone, and synthetic and cellulose-based fibers that contain some amount of animal fibers,” says the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. 

Keep on the lookout for these small beetles, since they often go undetected. 

June Bugs

A blanket term for various beetle species, June bugs include Japanese beetles, May beetles, and hundreds of other leaf-eating beetle species that vary in size, shape, and color. These nocturnal insects are attracted to light and often make a loud buzzing sound. 

While they don’t typically invade houses, June bugs can damage your plant-life surrounding your home. An outdoor June bug infestation may ruin your beautiful landscaping.

How to Get Rid of Beetles

Methods for ridding your home of beetles will depend on the species and severity of the infestation. The best strategy is taking practical measures to prevent an infestation in the first place.

Tips for keeping beetles out of your home:

  • Seal all windows, cracks, and gaps around the exterior of your home
  • Declutter your house to minimize hiding spots
  • Thoroughly clean your home, including regular vacuuming 
  • Store pantry items in airtight containers
  • Remove rotten wood from your property 

If beetles have already overrun your home, it may be time to seek professional pest control services.

Professional Pest Control for Beetles in Indiana

The pest control experts at YES Pest, Inc. have experience tackling all types of insect infestation. If you need help tackling your beetle problem, get in touch. We provide the residents of Bloomington, Columbus, and surrounding areas with conservative and environmentally friendly pest control solutions. 

The post Types of Beetles in Your House appeared first on Yes Pest Control.

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