Ground Beetles

Table Of Content

• Caterpillar Hunter Beetles (Calosoma spp.)
• Ground Beetles in My House: Facts, Identification, Control & Prevention
• Types of Ground Beetles (Pictures, Identification, and Control)
• How to identify ground beetles
• Why Do Ground Beetles Enter Buildings?
• How Can I Tell if I Have a Carabid Ground Beetle Problem?

Colored walls that do not reflect light are preferable to glossy white. Recent studies have also indicated that many of these predators inhabit mulch where other insects breed and serve as food for ground beetles. Keep mulch layers at the recommended depth of 2–3 inches in depth. If the landscape is regularly irrigated, perform a water audit and irrigate only when needed. Collect dead and dying beetles with a vacuum cleaner and proper attachments. Carabid ground beetles are a large family of insects with flat, oblong bodies between one-eighth inch and one and one-quarter inches long.

Caterpillar Hunter Beetles (Calosoma spp.)

This beetle is very strongly attracted to lights and large numbers are captured in light traps in early spring. They can cause some injury to seed corn and sorghum planted in wet soils or under conditions that retard rapid germination. Dead Beetles Ground beetles cannot live for extended periods indoors, and finding the dead bodies of the insects can serve as a sign of infestation. In the absence of soil, ground beetles cannot breed indoors (must lay eggs into soil). Carpet beetles are pests that can damage rugs, carpets, wool, linen, and other clothing items.

Ground Beetles in My House: Facts, Identification, Control & Prevention

It feeds on cucurbits, a family of plants that includes cucumbers, squash, melons, pumpkins, and more. In addition to the damage it can cause from feeding on these plants and fruits, this striped beetle species also transmits a bacterial wilt pathogen. When this pathogen is spread, it can kill members of the cucurbit family. Weevils are among the most common types of beetles found in the United States.

Types of Ground Beetles (Pictures, Identification, and Control)

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Another distinction between blister beetles and some other species relates to their wings. While most other beetles have hard front wings, the wings of a blister beetle are softer and more flexible. These beetles can leave blisters if they are crushed or rubbed against the skin. If consumed in large quantities, crushed beetles can be toxic for animals. However, their accidental entry into homes can lead to undesired surprises or irritation for homeowners. Like most pantry beetles, eliminating warehouse beetles starts with discarding any infested food items.

Smell The caterpillar beetle also emits a foul odor if agitated, which can further bother residents. Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects.

The small brown and black beetles don’t damage clothing, wooden structures, or food. The main irritation ground beetles cause is the malodorous defensive secretions they emit when threatened. The small reddish-brown or brownish-black beetles tunnel into wood, weakening structures and creating tiny holes.

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Common carabid species from the genus Stenolophus are called seedcorn beetles. These small dark brown to black ground beetles measure 0.19” to 0.31” (5 to 8 mm). Some are identified by a broad black stripe on their wing covers and shallow longitudinal furrows. The beetles are most active in spring when they attack seed corn and can destroy crops. Like other insects, they have three body parts (head, thorax, and abdomen) and two segmented antennae, which they use to smell.

However, they are attracted to light and in summertime can congregate around well-lit homes and businesses, before entering all at once and creating an infestation. Ground beetles also flock to businesses with lighted signs, such as hotels, groceries, and restaurants. A well-lit warehouse may also be infested by beetles that invade through open loading docks, especially those near food sources like dumpsters and trash cans. Dear Rick,This is a harmless (to humans), predatory Ground Beetle in the family Carabidae.

When selecting a material, be sure to read the label and determine if ground beetles are listed. Though some perimeter treatment products claim season-long control, most have to be reapplied on a regular basis if beetles persist in entering the structure. It is much better to use preventive practices than insecticides. If you have a home warranty plan with Landmark that covers pest control, your ground beetle infestation can be taken care of with a quick call. The adults can measure 1/8 to 1 ½ inches long while the larvae of the common ground beetle are around ¾ inch long. Besides, they also feed on small insects in soil that may be beneficial for the growth of plants.

Soil is essential, and don't be too eager to clear away leaf litter or debris as it provides plenty of cover for hunting. Be sure to have some rocks and logs about too, which are perfect for ground beetles to hide out under. If you have a heavy infestation in your home, then you will need pesticides for effectiveness. Due to their thick skin that produces the ‘crunch’ sound when stepped on, ready to use spays are unlikely to work on them.

There are more than 2,500 different weevil species in North America. They are very small—most less than 6 millimeters long—and may be brown, red, black, or gray, depending on the species. These beetles can cause alarm when they enter buildings, and some can release odorous secretions. But they do not reproduce indoors, pose a health threat, or damage property.