COMMON TYPES OF Beetles IN YOUR HOME
Identifying beetles can be challenging without professional experience. With hundreds of thousands of beetle species worldwide, only a small number commonly invade homes and businesses. Despite this, these species can cause significant problems when left untreated. Most residential infestations fall into a few categories based on what beetles feed on and where they hide. It can be difficult to distinguish one type of ant from another. Although there are over 10,000 different species of ants worldwide, you’re most likely to experience an infestation from a carpenter, pharaoh, or pavement ant.
Check out some of the characteristics of these beetles to help you correctly identify your pest problem.
CARPET BEETLES
Carpet beetles are among the most common and destructive beetles found indoors. Adult carpet beetles are often noticed near windows or light sources; but the real damage is caused by their larvae, which feed on natural fibers. Carpet beetles may damage your rugs, clothing, upholstery, and even stored items made of wool, silk, or leather.
- 1/16″ – 1/8″ in size
- Oval shaped
- Appear black, brown, patterned with white, yellow, or orange scales
PANTRY BEETLES
Pantry beetles infest dry, stored food products and become a very common issue in kitchens and pantries. Additionally, species such as cigarette or drugstore beetles can contaminate food supplies and quickly spread throughout a home. Considering infestations often originate inside packaging, it is important to note beetles may already be present before food is brought into the home.
- Approximately 1/16" to 1/8" in size
- Reddish-brown or tan
- Strong flyers once they are established
POWDERPOST BEETLES
Powderpost beetles are wood-infesting beetles that can cause major structural and cosmetic damage over time. Powderpost beetles lay eggs in unfinished or untreated wood, leading the larvae to feed internally for months or years before emerging. It is important to identify these types as fast as possible considering damage often goes unnoticed until the wood shows visible weakening or accumulation of powder. 
- 1/8"-1/4" in size
- Reddish-brown to black
- Infests in various wood, trims, tools, or decor.
- Often identified by fine, powder-like sediment near exit holes.
GROUND BEETLES
Although they are primarily outdoor insects, ground beetles do enter homes accidentally, especially during the changing of seasons. Ground beetles do not reproduce indoors, but their presence can be persistent and annoying.
- 1/4"-1/2" an inch in size
- Dark brown or black
- Fast movers, commonly found in basement or entry points
WHAT ARE PANTRY BEETLES?
“Pantry beetle” is a general term used to describe several species of small beetles that infest stored food products inside homes and businesses alike. While homeowners may assume they are dealing with one type of beetle, panty infestations are commonly caused by multiple species: cigarette beetles, drugstore beetles, and flour beetles. In most cases, panty beetles are introduced into a home through packaged foods that already contain their larvae or eggs. Once they establish themselves, they can spread quickly through the area, contaminating food, and becoming difficult to eliminate without EcoShield Pest Solutions.
WHY DO PANTRY BEETLES INFEST kitchens?
If you’re having an ant problem in your kitchen, it’s important to know what attracts them. Kitchens provide pantry beetles with everything they need to survive and reproduce. These beetles are attracted to a wide range of dry goods that are commonly stored in kitchens, such as:
- Flour, rice and pasta
- Cereal and baking mixes
- Spices and seasoning packets
- Pet food and/or bird seed
Pantry beetles are capable of chewing through thin packaging and can spread from one product to another. Even the most well-maintained kitchens may experiences beetle infestations due to contaminated items that may appear sealed or undamaged.
Prevention is usually much easier and more manageable than attempting to treat an infestation. If you’ve experienced ant problems in the past or are concerned that your home may be at risk, contact EcoShield for an inspection and front-line treatment plan. Protecting yourself prior to ants becoming a problem is the single best way to avoid beetles altogether. Our year-round Shield Protection Plan can also prevent and control beetles before they become a problem.
SEE BEETLES? TAKE THESE STEPS
If you see one beetle, it’s safe to say that there are more crawling around in your walls, between the cracks, and reproducing where you can’t see them. Your beetle problem will not go away on its own, and some pest control methods are ineffective.
Want to get rid of your beetles for good? Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Call EcoShield Pest Solutions today for a free estimate.
- Step 2: Avoid trying to treat your beetle problem before our team of experts can properly identify the type of ant invading your property.
- Step 3: Schedule a time that works best for you. The pest control technicians at EcoShield always strive to accommodate your schedule.
- Step 4: Watch your pest control problem disappear and eliminate your stress and worry.
At EcoShield, we help you through every step of the pest control treatment process. Whether you have general questions about beetles in your home or you need to get rid of a damaging infestation, our experts are trained to answer any questions and provide the best solution for you.
For a FREE No-Obligation Estimate, please call our office or fill out the form at the top right section of this page.