Beetles

Beetles are insects that share attributes including six legs, a hard exterior, strong jaws, and a front pair of wings that provide a hard, protective cover for the other wings.

You can find many different types of beetle in the Asheboro area, including:

• Powder post Beetles: Around 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch long, reddish-brown to black coloring, and a narrow oval shape body

• Horned Beetles: Ranging from 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches long and shiny black or brown with orange

• Nut Weevils: About 3/4 of an inch long with a long snout, reddish-brown, and covered in brownish hairs

• Striped Lady Beetles: Approximately 1/4 of an inch long and are brownish-orange with three striped running down the back

While all of these pests are beetles, they are very different from each other and require specific removal methods.

To determine if a pest is dangerous, you usually consider the diseases they spread and other significant health concerns they pose. By this standard, most beetles you encounter in North Carolina are not dangerous, but this doesn't mean they don't cause problems.

For example, powder post beetles and their larvae are high on the list of destructive insects, just behind termites. However, beetles are essential as they are vital to the decomposition of natural wooden materials out in nature.

People can sometimes carry pests like beetles inside potted plants and other items from outside. But depending on the species, beetles can infest for specific reasons.

Powder post beetles lay their eggs inside untreated, weathered, or reclaimed wood. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae can take a long time to mature into adults and leave the wood, so during this time, someone may bring the infested wood into their home.

Light, decomposing matter, temperature, and other conductive conditions attract different beetle species.

Beetles will usually gravitate toward similar areas of a residential property as other home-invading insects do, such as:

• Under stones, in gardens, and near compost piles

• Kitchens and pantries

• Basements, crawl spaces, sheds, and attics

As mentioned earlier, powder post beetles lay their eggs inside wood, so you likely will not be able to see these insects but may see fine, powdery sawdust, which can indicate their presence.

In any case, it is best to call professionals for an inspection to identify the pest you are experiencing.

Because beetle species are so different, it is best to contact experts for assistance when dealing with them. Our Otho's Pest Management team can provide proper identification, which is essential to effective control and prevention.

Reach out to Otho's Pest Management today to learn how you can benefit from professional beetle control in Asheboro, NC.

There are several things you can do to help prevent future issues with beetles on your Asheboro property:

• Only use treated wood on your property.

• Avoid bringing barn or other reclaimed wood into your house.

• Check the exterior of your home for entry holes such as cracks in the foundation, holes in siding, and gaps around window and door frames.

• Inspect plants and flowers for pests before bringing them inside.

• Keep outdoor lights off when possible. 

• Store dry goods in air-tight containers

• Remove organic debris from your yard.

• Clear any rotting fruits and vegetables out of gardens.

• Clean up crumbs and spills right away.

Otho's Pest Management can help you with beetle prevention and control of active infestations, so call today! We are standing by to provide you with comprehensive home pest control or commercial pest management you can trust!