Beetles
Coleoptera
General Info
- There are over 25,000 species of beetles in North America
- Common outdoor beetles that come in are called ground beetles, bark beetles, “ladybugs”, and May or June bugs
- Adult beetles are good fliers – some species are attracted to light and are often found on windows or around plants and flowers
- Often large clusters of beetles are found on the exterior of your home in late fall – these beetles are attracted to your home’s warmth and may try to get in for the winter
Size
6.35 to 12.7 millimetres long
Colour
Black | Reddish Brown
Commonly Mistaken for
Additional details
- Beetles typically crawl (some species fly) in from the outside through cracks, crevices and other openings
- Outdoors, beetles are frequently found on flowers, tree bark and leaves, in the lawn, or hiding under anything that gives them cover
- Many adult beetles feed on plant-based foods or other insects – some can cause considerable damage to decorative plants and gardens
- Some species eat things like our stored food, seeds, and some fabrics
- Outdoor beetles may come indoors seeking a warm place to live for the winter
- Depending on the species, beetles can damage fabrics, furnishings, clothing, furniture, and plants
- Others are more of nuisance when they are seen crawling across our floors or around the foundation
- For fabric eating beetles, frequently vacuum and clean floors to remove dust and accumulated lint
- Thoroughly clean areas such as closets and chests before storing clothes
- Limit entry into the home by sealing cracks and crevices
- Inspect screens for holes and loose edges that may allow beetles to enter
- Do not leave doors and windows open to keep beetles from entering