Common Types of Beetles

When people think of pests, beetles may rarely be the first ones that come to mind. However, these critters can be a real nuisance for homeowners especially during the summertime. These pests can wreak havoc on furniture, decor, clothes and packaged goods. Some are even attracted to the bright lights that make the interior of a home more appealing.

There are several different types of beetles that are common in the United States. In order to stop a home invasion, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with so you can resolve it. 

Types of Beetles

According to Pest World, there are 12,000 kinds of beetles in the United States and over 300,000 species in the world. A beetle can come in a variety of different sizes. Some may even reach four to eight inches in length. Unlike some other pests, an adult beetle has two sets of wings. 

These pests do not spread diseases and are not categorized as harmful to people. However, some can find their way into kitchens to feed on items such as flour and cake mix. These pests are common around the world. Some popular types include:

Japanese Beetle

  • The Japanese beetle varies from ½ to ¾ of an inch in length. This kind of beetle has hard metallic green shells with copper-colored wing casings and can be found in most parts of the United States. 
  • They are allured to fruits, plants, and flowers. The Japanese beetle can be quite destructive when it comes to feasting on a lawn or garden especially during the summer when it’s warm outside.

Dung Beetle

  • A dung beetle is round with small wing covers exposing the end of the abdomen. This kind of beetle is in constant search of manure from animals such as cows. 
  • A dung beetle has hornlike structures on their heads that are particularly useful when it comes to fighting other beetles. They also have antennae that can detect dung from the air. 
  • Dung beetles lay their eggs in animal manure so their offspring have something to eat when born. These critters can vary from .5 to 2.5 inches in length.

Stag Beetle

  • The stag beetle is one of the largest land beetles with the jaws on the male beetle resembling the antlers of a stag.
  • The length of an adult male is typically anywhere from 35mm to 75mm whereas the length of an adult female ranges from 30 to 50mm long. 
  • Normally, they emerge during summertime to reproduce.

When Are Beetles the Most Active?

These pests usually begin appearing in the early summer with activity from June through September when the weather begins to change. In summer, an increase in temperature typically correlates with an increase in insect activity. 

Some beetles, such as the Japanese beetle, enjoy temperatures between 85 to 95 degrees and are active on warm, sunny days between 9 am to 3 pm. 

Many bugs and insects go into some form of hibernation during the colder months hence the reason the summer sees the most activity. While they may enjoy the warmth, they are not opposed to coming indoors during colder months and will do so if there’s a suitable entrance.

How Do I Prevent These Pests From Invading My Home?

Massey Services has the following recommendations:

  • Outside doors must be well-sealed.
    • If light can be seen around or under a door, then pests can gain access inside your home.
  • Repair torn screens.
    • Screens are a prime entry point for pests.
  • Seal around soffits and gable vents.
    • This keeps pestsfrom getting inside the roof or attic space.
  • Seal around conduits and piping where it enters the structure.
    • Many insects follow power lines or climb conduits and pipes to get inside your home.
  • Remove excess leaves from the roof and rain gutters.
    • This keeps pests from breeding under the build-up.
  • Caulk all cracks and crevices.
    • Check and seal under window frames and around pipes entering the side of your home to keep insects from entering.
  • Prune excess vegetation away from your home.
    • Pay special attention to eaves and trees touching the roof.
  • Remove wood debris and keep woodpiles away from your home’s foundation.
    • This helps prevent beetle colonization next to your home.

Finding all the above areas to ensure your home is pest proof can be time consuming, frustrating and labor intensive. If you feel you have a beetle infestation or would like to prevent them from entering your home, the best thing to do is call a professional. 

At Massey Services, our experts are professionally trained to rid homes of beetles and other pests during the summer and all year round. 

Get a Free Pest Inspection Today!