How to Get Rid of Beetles In Your Home

Beetles can be a significant nuisance in homes, damaging structures, furniture and infiltrating your pantry.

So whether you’re dealing with ground beetles, black carpet beetles, or bark beetles, there’s no need to frantically search “how do you get rid of beetles inside your house?” or “how to exterminate beetles!” any longer. We’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies for eliminating these unwanted visitors and keeping your home a beetle-free zone.

What Are the Signs of a Beetle Infestation?

Before learning how to exterminate beetles, it’s crucial to recognize the signs you have a beetle infestation.

Beetle infestations might become apparent through small holes in wood or fabrics, dead beetles near your window sills, or seeing them crawl into your home. Identifying these signs early can help you quickly eliminate these pesky creatures.

What Attracts Beetles to Your House?

Beetles are attracted to various factors in your home, depending on the species. Some common attractants include:

• Food sources: Many beetles are drawn to stored food products, especially grains and flour
• Wood: Wood-boring beetles, like bark beetles, are attracted to wooden furniture or structures
• Light: Some beetles, especially flying ones, are attracted to lights at night
• Moisture: Damp environments can attract beetles that thrive in humid conditions.

How Do Beetles Get Into Your House?

Beetles can enter your home through a number of ways, from tiny cracks and gaps around doors, to open windows to cut flowers. They can also hitch a ride on items brought inside, such as firewood, plants, or even groceries.

Once inside, beetles tend to seek out food, shelter, and breeding grounds. You’ll typically find them sticking close to their food sources – be that carpets, wood or pantry items!

Common Areas Of Infestation

Beetles can infest various areas of a home, and understanding where they are likely to inhabit is crucial for effective pest control. Each type of beetle prefers specific environments, which can help guide your efforts to get rid of them.

Kitchens and Pantries

Places with food are common areas for beetle infestations, particularly flour beetles. These pests are drawn to stored food products, where they can lay their eggs and thrive.

To prevent infestations in these areas, it’s essential to store food in airtight containers and regularly inspect and clean pantry shelves. Keeping food sealed and maintaining a clean environment can help deter these beetles from settling in.

Basements and Attics

Another prime target for beetles, particularly ground beetles, which favor dark, damp environments. These areas often provide the perfect conditions for beetles to thrive, as they are typically less frequently disturbed and can be moisture-prone.

To reduce the likelihood of beetle infestations in these spaces, ensure that they are well-ventilated and dry. Address any issues with dampness and consider using dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels in check.

Furniture and Carpets

Beetle infestations can also affect furniture and carpets, with black carpet beetles being particularly notorious for causing the most damage (hence the name!).

These beetles can feed on various fabric materials, including carpets and upholstery, leading to significant damage over time. Regularly vacuuming carpets and inspecting furniture can help identify and address any infestations early.

Maintaining cleanliness and promptly dealing with any signs of beetle activity are essential steps in protecting your furnishings from these particular pests.

Common Types Of Household Beetles

Different types of household beetles require different approaches. Some common species include (but aren’t limited to):

• Ground Beetles

These beetles are usually found outdoors but can invade homes in search of food. They are typically black and can be a nuisance indoors. Knowing how to get rid of ground beetles typically involves reducing moisture in and around your home and sealing entry points.

• Bark Beetles

These beetles infest wood and can be found in wooden furniture, beams, or firewood. If you need to know how to get rid of bark beetles, options like neem oil or removing infested branches can be effective.

• Furniture Beetles

Options like applying insecticides (such as borate-based products) into furniture cracks can be helpful for getting rid of furniture beetles. For a more detailed approach, see Common Furniture Beetles And How To Get Rid Of Them.

• Black Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles feed on natural fibers, including wool, silk, and leather. They can cause significant damage to carpets, clothing, and furniture. Learning how to get rid of black carpet beetles often involves thorough cleaning and vacuuming, along with using insecticides designed for fabrics. Learn more about how to get rid of carpet beetles

• Brown Beetles:

A broad category that includes various species, brown beetles are often found in kitchens and pantries. Removing brown beetles typically involves insecticides, repellants, and sealing entry points.

Beetle Treatments and Solutions

Several methods are available for getting rid of beetles, from natural remedies to professional beetle exterminators. The right approach will depend on the severity of the infestation and the beetle species.

Some at-home methods to get rid of beetles include:

Using Natural Repellents and Insecticides

While there’s not a lot of evidence to suggest that these household remedies work to eliminate beetles completely, these might be worth a try. Especially if your beetle infestation is concentrated and on a smaller scale.

Diatomaceous Earth: a natural powder that you can sprinkle in areas where beetles are present. It dehydrates and kills beetles on contact.

Vinegar and water: sprayed in areas where beetles are active to repel beetles.

Boric Acid: a natural insecticide that can be used in cracks and crevices to kill beetles on contact.

Using Essential Oils

Oils like peppermint, cedarwood, and tea tree are known to deter beetles. These can be applied around entry points or in areas where beetles are active.

Spraying neem oil on plants, furniture, or directly on beetles have been shown to deter smaller levels of infestation.

Using Stronger Beetle Repellents And Traps

Stronger repellants and traps may also be an option, especially for more severe infestations. Knowing how to get rid of beetle bugs with specific store-bought sprays and powders can help you eliminate your problem quickly.

Remember, always choose products that are safe for indoor use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to get rid of beetles.

Two alternative ways to get rid of beetles in your home are:

Sticky Traps: Place sticky traps in areas where you’ve noticed beetle activity. These traps can capture beetles and help reduce their numbers.

Insecticides: For severe infestations, consider using insecticides labeled for beetle control. Just be sure to follow all safety instructions!

Sealing Entry Points

Wondering how beetles get in the house in the first place? It’s through open entry points. Beetles often enter through cracks in windows, doors, or the foundation. Sealing these entry points with caulk or weatherstripping is an effective way to keep them out.

We recommend caulking cracks around windows and doors and installing door sweeps to prevent beetles from entering under doors.

Also, repairing damaged screens on windows and vents can significantly help to keep pests at bay.

Hiring Professional Exterminators

It’s worth noting that beetle infestations can spread quite easily across your home. When infestations spread, it’s hard to eliminate the problem yourself. To ensure your pest problem is thoroughly tackled, you’ll need to hire a professional team of local exterminators – that’s where Bug Out can help!

Our team of experts protects your home from pests by using highly effective treatments to eliminate infestations. We target even the most inconspicuous places on your property and safeguard your home from ongoing infestation.

Trust us to tackle your pest issues and safeguard your home from beetles.

Eliminate and Prevent Beetle Infestations

Once you’ve learned how to get rid of beetles in your house, here’s how to keep them out.

Vacuum, Sanitize and Declutter

One of the most effective preventive measures is regular vacuuming.

This is particularly important if you’ve previously dealt with black carpet beetles. These pests often lay eggs in carpets and other fabrics, so frequent vacuuming can help remove beetles, larvae, and eggs before they have a chance to proliferate.

Also, remove old newspapers, boxes, and unnecessary items that could harbor beetles. Wash and dry any infested fabrics on high heat to kill any beetles or larvae.

Maintain Proper Food Storage

Proper food storage is another crucial factor in preventing beetle infestations, especially pantry beetles. To keep these pests at bay, store all food items in airtight containers. Additionally, clean pantry shelves thoroughly and avoid leaving food containers open or unsealed

Control Moisture Levels

Damp environments attract a variety of beetle species, including ground beetles.

Ensure that your home is well-ventilated and dry by using dehumidifiers in areas prone to dampness, such as basements and bathrooms. Fix any leaks in plumbing or roofing promptly to prevent water from accumulating. Maintaining low humidity levels and addressing any water issues can also significantly reduce beetle infestations.

Taking these steps will help keep your home beetle-free and contribute to a cleaner, healthier living space.

H3: Use Light Control

Beetles are often attracted to light, especially at night. Consider using yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs outdoors, as these are less attractive to insects in general –  including those pesky beetles.

Get Rid Of Beetles Inside Your House – Once And For All!

Dealing with beetles in your home can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can effectively get rid of beetles (and prevent them from returning).

Remember to identify the source, clean thoroughly, and use a combination of natural and chemical methods to eliminate these pests.

Lastly, if the problem persists and you need help, don’t hesitate to seek professional help – often, it’s the best way to ensure that every nook and cranny of your home is protected from a pest infestation. Contact your local Bug Out team today!