Pest Guide for Beetles
Types of Beetles
Beetles are part of the Coleoptera order and this order makes up around 40 percent of all insects. This means there are hundreds of thousands of species of beetles that can live in nearly every part of the world except for in the sea and in polar regions. So, no matter where you live in the country, your home could be subject to a beetle infestation.
Features
Beetles typically have a hard exoskeleton and actually have two sets of wings – the outer set is hardened and thickened and helps to protect the inner set that’s used for flying. When a beetle isn’t flying, its outer set of wings rests on top of its back, meeting in the middle and forming most of their shell.
These insects have been around for more than 230 million years and have learned to adapt to their environment. While most are black or brown, some can be brighter in color. Their bodies are divided into three sections: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen and they have six jointed legs.
Diet and Habitat
Beetles chew their food with their mouths and have powerful jaws, making their diet broader than other insects. Because there are so many species of beetles, they eat a wide variety of food including plants, fruits, vegetables, wood, fungi, and even other small insects.
When it comes to habitats, beetles are usually active at night and can thrive in a wide variety of climates. They can live under the ground, in wood, on moss, in seeds, in fields, in plants, under rocks, and near ponds. They also have various defense strategies including camouflage, mimicry, and poison.
Signs of Infestation
Different species of beetles have different signs of infestation. Because most are nocturnal, it’s difficult to notice beetles in your home. However, because they have a hard exoskeleton, you can sometimes hear them. Listen for the sound of hard wings flapping through the air or a clicking sound that they can make when they flip. Beetles can enter your home through windows, doors, and other openings and they can even be brought in on cut plants and flowers. Often times, you won’t notice a beetle infestation until it’s out of control, so if you believe you do have one, contact our South Carolina pest control company as soon as possible and we’ll take care of it.