As a family, beetles are the most populous species known to man. They make up approximately 25% of all known life forms. Additionally, beetles are so populous because their reproduction rate is significantly higher than any other species. While numerous, beetles are generally considered a helpful pest to local ecosystems because they play an important role in composting, pollinating, and acting as a natural pest control. As beetles primarily feed on fungi and other plant and animal matter, they are generally a key player in the natural lifecycle.
Common Types of Beetles
Interestingly, beetles range in size from less than a millimeter to tropical giants over six inches long. Plus, various types of beetles are found in a plethora of habitats because they can adapt to nearly any climate. While there are thousands of types of beetles, the following are generally the most common species.
- Ladybird Beetle (Ladybug) – the common ladybug helps control local ecosystems because they are a natural predator of many insects, such as aphids and other garden critters.
- Ground Beetle – generally found under rocks, logs and other debris, ground beetles are diverse in size and coloration, but typically have flattened bodies and prominent mandibles and help control other insect populations.
- Dung Beetle – an important player in natural ecosystems, the dung beetle feeds on animal dung, which helps improve soil health and nutrient cycling.
- Japanese Beetle – an invasive species, Japanese beetles are not harmless and these metallic green beetles can cause significant damage to plants, particularly roses, grapes, and fruit trees.
- Carpet Beetle – while small and oval-shaped, carpet beetles are potentially damaging species to carpets, clothing and stored food as the larvae of carpet beetles feed on natural fibers.
- Weevil – another nuisance pest, weevils are small beetles with elongated snouts and often infest stored grains, nuts, and seeds.
- Colorado Potato Beetle – a notorious pest of potatoes and similar crops, the Colorado Potato beetle can defoliate plants if left unchecked.
- Click Beetle – named (and known for) the clicking sound they make when flipped onto their backs, the click beetle has an elongated body and can “click” themselves upright by snapping their thorax.
- Stag Beetle – generally harmless, the stag beetle is a large insect with impressive mandibles resembling the antlers of a stag and attracted to lights at night.
- Firefly (Lightning Bug) – the common firefly that lights up warm summer nights is a beetle known for their bioluminescent abdomens.
Beetle Exterminators & Pest Control in CT, MA, NY and RI
As one of (if not the most) populous species in the world, beetles are found everywhere (except oceans and the polar caps). From rainforests and grasslands to forests and deserts, you’ll likely find a beetle nearby. While generally harmless, beetles can still damage your home and property. Beetles feed on a variety of substances including plants, dead or decaying matter, materials such as wools, animal skins and furs, carpets and even other insects and invertebrates. As a result, beetle control is especially important in places like museums where old and delicate fabrics are often on display. It is also imperative to monitor and control beetles in food and grain warehouses to prevent them from infiltrating storage containers and laying their eggs in the grain. To help, inspecting for beetles includes thorough searching around doors, windows, soffits, gutters and basements. Beetle control is imperative in these areas, so if you notice beetles around these areas of your home, consider reaching out to a local pest control specialist.
Eliminate’Em Pest Control Services provides you with fast, professional, courteous service and licensed technicians to handle all your pest control needs. We offer same-day services and free estimates to eliminate beetles. Professional technicians are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get rid of the problem causing damage or creating a nuisance in and around your home.
