Beetles
Common Types of Beetles in Ohio
Japanese Beetles:
These beetles are easy to spot with their shiny green bodies and copper-colored wings. Japanese beetles feast on a variety of plants, including roses, trees, and shrubs, and their feeding habits can cause serious damage to your garden and landscape.
Carpet Beetles:
Small but mighty, carpet beetles are notorious for wreaking havoc on fabrics, carpets, and upholstery. Their larvae love to feed on natural fibers, slowly damaging your belongings over time.
Powderpost Beetles:
These wood-boring beetles could be a problem if you have an older home. Powderpost beetles infest wooden structures and furniture, leaving tiny holes and fine, powdery dust behind. Left unchecked, they can cause significant damage to your home’s wooden elements.
Ladybugs:
While ladybugs are beneficial in the garden, helping control pests like aphids, they can become a nuisance when they invade homes in large numbers. These harmless insects often find their way indoors during the cooler months, making them an unwelcome guest for homeowners.
Ground Beetles:
Ground beetles are active hunters that typically stay outdoors but can end up inside, especially at night. They don’t damage homes or belongings, but their presence can be a nuisance. Attracted to light, they often slip in through small gaps around doors and windows. If you’re seeing them indoors, it’s a good sign your home could use some sealing.
How to Prevent and Control Beetles
- Seal Entry Points: Look around your windows, doors, and any cracks in walls or foundations, especially as the weather cools. Ladybugs and other beetles love to find a warm spot indoors, so sealing these gaps can help keep them out.
- Store Food Properly: Keep your pantry food in sealed containers to avoid attracting beetles. Check your food storage areas regularly to make sure there are no signs of an infestation, especially from pantry or carpet beetles.
- Maintain Your Yard: Regularly trim plants and remove dead vegetation to limit food sources for beetles. If Japanese beetles are causing problems, consider using targeted treatments on affected plants to keep them from wreaking havoc.
- Treat Wooden Structures: If you suspect powderpost beetles are infesting wooden furniture or structures, use sealants designed to stop further damage.
- Keep Things Clean: Carpet beetles can be tricky, but regular vacuuming can help clear out larvae from carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics. It’s a simple step to protect your home from long-term damage.
