Asian Lady Beetle

Asian Lady Beetles in North Carolina

The multicolored Asian lady beetle was introduced into the United States from Asia to control aphids, scale, and other crop pests from 1978 to 1981. It is now widely distributed across the nation. Asian lady beetles may enter homes in large numbers and have become consistent overwintering pests in buildings and homes.

Because there are many different types of beetles in North Carolina, they can be difficult to distinguish, however our common beetles species can help with this.

Asian Lady Beetle Habitat

This species is a voracious predator of crop pests and produces several generations per year. Their tendency to aggregate and ability to enter structures often causes this insect to become a significant structural pest. Hundreds and even thousands of these beetles have been found in and on homes. Asian lady beetles can be found in attics, wall voids, on siding, inside closets, and may be attracted to light.

Asian Lady Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

One of the most notable behaviors of the Asian Lady Beetle is its swarming tendency, particularly during the autumn months. As the weather cools, these beetles gather in large numbers, often seeking shelter inside homes and buildings. While they are not inherently dangerous, their presence in large numbers can be a nuisance. In some cases, they may exude a yellowish fluid that can stain surfaces and emit a distinct odor when disturbed or crushed.

Are Asian Lady Beetles Harmful?

Generally, Asian Lady Beetles are not harmful to humans or pets. They play a beneficial role in the environment by feeding on plant pests such as aphids and scale insects. However, their tendency to invade homes in large numbers can be problematic, contact our licensed beetle exterminators, we can offer a safe effective removal service for you.

Do Asian Lady Beetles Bite?

Asian lady beetles may bite, their bite does not seriously injure humans or spread diseases. If handled or crushed, they will emit a foul odor and leave a stain.

Are Asian Ladybugs Invasive?

The term “invasive” is often used to describe non-native species that adversely affect the habitats they invade. Asian Ladybugs, introduced to various regions including North America for biological pest control, have become invasive. Their rapid population growth and competitive nature can negatively impact native species and ecosystems.

How to Get Rid of Asian Lady Beetles?

In fall, Asian lady beetles seek out crevices and protected areas around homes to spend the winter, congregating in attics, wall cavities, cracks around door frames, and within soffits and wall voids.
If a large number of beetles gain access inside of homes, they can stain drapery and clothing. Asian lady beetles cannot survive sub-freezing temperatures, although they can survive within homes and buildings that provide adequate warmth and humidity. If you are dealing with an infestation, always contact a licensed beetle exterminator.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the Difference Between a ladybug and an Asian Ladybug?

Distinguishing between a common ladybug and an Asian ladybug can be challenging. The most notable difference is the presence of a distinct “M” or “W” shaped mark located on the head of the Asian Lady Beetle. Additionally, Asian Lady Beetles tend to have a wider range of colors and spot patterns compared to the uniformly red and black-spotted common ladybugs.

What are Asian Ladybugs Good For?

Asian ladybugs are beneficial in gardens and agricultural settings as they feed on aphids and other soft-bodied insects, helping to control these pest populations.

What Do Asian Lady Beetles Eat?

Asian lady beetles, like other ladybugs, primarily feed on aphids and other small insects. They are beneficial predators in gardens and agricultural settings, helping control pest populations. Additionally, they may consume nectar, honeydew, and other sugary substances for energy.

What Does An Asian Beetle Look Like?

Asian lady beetles are small, round beetles with convex bodies, typically measuring 1/4 to 3/8 inches in length. They come in various colors, ranging from orange to red, with variable numbers of spots. They often have a distinctive “M”-shaped mark on their heads.

Black Carpet Beetle

Black Carpet Beetles in North Carolina

The black carpet beetle is the most common and most destructive carpet beetle in North Carolina. It destroys any household products that contain keratin, a principal protein found in animal hair and feathers. Plant materials such as cereals and grains, as well as synthetic fabrics not derived from animal matter, may also be attacked. Additionally, dried insect specimens, such as those found in insect collections, are also destroyed.

Because there are many different types of beetles in North Carolina, they can be difficult to distinguish, however our common beetle species can help with this.

Black Carpet Beetle Habitat

Outdoors, female beetles search out spider webs, bees, wasps, or bird nests as locations to lay their eggs. These nests and webs contain dead insects, beeswax, pollen, feathers, or other debris that can serve as larval food. Black carpet beetle adults are attracted to flowers, and in the spring, they may fly into homes and buildings. The larvae may wander from the nest into the attic and other parts of the house. Very often, black carpet beetles are brought into the house with old woolens and carpeting. Sometimes, black carpet beetles are introduced into homes or buildings in stored products such as dried dog food.

What Causes Carpet Beetles?

Carpet Beetles enter homes through open doors, windows, or other small openings. They are also brought in on infested items like furniture, clothing, and other fabric items. Once inside, they find suitable locations to feed and breed.

Signs of Carpet Beetles

Signs of Carpet Beetle infestations include visible damage to fabrics, carpets, and upholstered furniture. You may also notice shed skins and fecal pellets in areas where the larvae have been feeding. Adult beetles are often found near windows, as they are attracted to light.

What do Carpet Bug Eggs Look Like?

Carpet Beetle eggs are tiny, white, and oval-shaped. They are often laid in clusters in dark, secluded areas where food is abundant. These eggs are challenging to spot without close inspection.

Black Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Black carpet beetles are scavengers. In homes, the black carpet beetle is a pest in kitchen cupboards, as well as in woolen carpets or clothing storage areas. Infestations can stem from bird nests, animal carcasses, or accumulations of dead insects such as flies or lady beetles in attics or basements. Stored products like cereal, pet food, birdseed, are other possible sources of carpet beetles. If you are dealing with a black carpet beetle infestation, always contact your local beetle exterminators.

Do Carpet Beetles Bite?

Carpet Beetles do not bite humans. However, the bristles on their larvae can cause skin irritation, leading to a condition known as carpet beetle dermatitis.

How to Get Rid of Black Carpet Beetles?

Controlling Black Carpet Beetles involves a combination of cleaning, prevention, and, if necessary, chemical treatments. Regular vacuuming, proper storage of wool items and other fabrics, and prompt cleaning of spills are crucial in preventing infestations. In cases of severe infestation, professional pest control services are recommended.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why Am I Getting Beetles in My House?

Beetles can enter houses seeking shelter, especially as the weather changes (like in fall or spring). They may come in through cracks, open windows, or doors. Some species are attracted to lights or moisture.

What is a Beetle Infestation?

A beetle infestation occurs when a large number of beetles are present in an area, often inside a home or building. This can lead to damage to property, food products, and textiles, depending on the beetle species.

What is the Most Common Beetle?

The most common beetle can vary by region. However, species like carpet beetles, powderpost beetles, and lady beetles (including Asian lady beetles) are commonly found in many areas.

Ground Beetle

Ground Beetles in North Carolina

Ground beetles make up one of the largest groups of beetles in North America, with more than 2600 species. Most ground beetles are shiny, black or brown and iridescent, and are sometimes confused with cockroaches. Both are dark in color and move quickly, however, ground beetles are harmless, while cockroaches may create larger issues. Ground beetles are very common outdoor insects that occasionally become pests by wandering into houses and buildings by mistake.

Because there are many different types of beetles in North Carolina, they can be difficult to distinguish, however our common beetle species can help with this.

Ground Beetle Habitat

Ground beetles are commonly found outdoors under objects such as wood, logs, rock, and other debris on the ground. During the summer, in many parts of the country, ground beetles appear in tremendous numbers. They feed mostly at night and are attracted to porch lights and other exterior lights. Ground beetles can become an annoyance by crawling into homes and buildings through small cracks or openings, or through open doorways and windows. Once inside, they can be found in hidden, damp areas in the basement or under boxes or other objects on the floor.

Why do Ground Beetles Come into Your House?

Ground Beetles may enter homes accidentally while searching for prey or shelter, especially during extreme weather conditions like heavy rains or drought. They are attracted to areas with ample food sources, such as other insects, and often wander into homes through cracks and gaps in the foundation or doors.

Ground Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Ground beetles do not damage household structures or furniture and are harmless to people and pets. When exposed, ground beetles move quickly to find shelter but rarely fly. Outdoors, are actually considered beneficial because they feed on insect larvae. However, during summer, ground beetle infestations inside a home or commercial building can be overwhelming for any property owner. Although certain species have been known to release odorous secretions when threatened, none will bite or attack humans.

If you are dealing with a ground beetle infestation, always contact your local beetle exterminators.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why Do Ground Beetles Come into the House?

Ground Beetles typically enter houses accidentally while searching for prey or due to changes in outdoor conditions. They might be driven inside by heavy rains, drought, or in search of food. These beetles often enter through small openings, cracks, or gaps in buildings.

Why Are Ground Beetles Good for the Garden?

Ground Beetles are beneficial in gardens due to their predatory nature. They feed on a variety of garden pests, including slugs, snails, cutworms, aphids, and caterpillars, helping to naturally control these populations without the need for chemical pesticides.

How Do I Attract Ground Beetles to My Garden?

To attract Ground Beetles to your garden, create a habitat they prefer. This includes having areas with moist soil, mulch, and leaving some leaf litter or logs where they can find shelter. Avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides will also help maintain a healthy population of these beneficial beetles.

What is the Most Common Ground Beetle?

One of the most common and widely recognized Ground Beetles is the genus Carabus. These beetles are known for their large size, metallic sheen, and voracious appetite for garden pests. Their presence is often a sign of a healthy, balanced garden ecosystem.

Japanese Beetle

Japanese Beetles in North Carolina

The Japanese beetle is a widespread and destructive pest of lawns, landscape, and ornamental plants in the United States. Japanese beetles are a serious pest of turf, trees, shrubs, flowers, and crops. Although adults will feed on over 300 species of plants, grubs feed mainly on the roots of grasses. Difficult and expensive to control, these beetles feed on grassroots, damaging turf, golf courses, and pastures. Japanese beetles were first found in the U.S. in 1916 in New Jersey and have since spread throughout various states.

Because there are many different types of beetles in North Carolina, they can be difficult to distinguish, however our common beetle species can help with this.

Japanese Beetle Habitat

Japanese beetles have a wide host of plants they can feed on and can live anywhere there is sufficient foliage. They are not limited to forests or grasslands and often live on farms, cities, and even your garden. These beetles are especially common on roses, beans, grapes, and raspberries.  Japanese beetles have a voracious appetite and are most active on warm sunny days, feeding in groups under direct sun. Adult beetles can fly, allowing them to easily move throughout a homeowner’s landscape. These pests begin eating at the top of plants and work their way down.

Japanese Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

While Japanese beetles do have powerful chewing mouthparts for munching on leaves, they do not bite people. However, the estimated damage and cost of controlling Japanese beetles in the U.S. is over $460 million each year! Due to their distinctive feeding pattern, damage caused by Japanese beetles can be easy to recognize. These pests feed on the soft tissue between leaf veins, leaving behind a skeletonized, lace-like pattern. The grubs damage grass as they overwinter and feed in soil, which can result in brown patches of dead or dying grass that will pull up easily due to their weakened roots. If you suspect a Japanese beetle infestation, contact a local beetle control expert.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Are Japanese Beetles Harmful?

Yes, Japanese beetles can be harmful to plants, particularly to ornamental plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. They feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of many plants, causing damage that can weaken or kill the plants if left untreated.

How to Get Rid of Japanese Beetles?

There are several methods to control Japanese beetles:

  • Handpicking: Physically removing the beetles from plants can help reduce their numbers, especially in small infestations.
  • Neem oil: Spraying neem oil on affected plants can act as a deterrent to Japanese beetles.
  • Insecticides: Chemical insecticides can be used, but care must be taken to follow instructions and avoid harm to beneficial insects.
  • Traps: Traps specifically designed for Japanese beetles can attract and capture them, helping to reduce their population in the area.
  • Biological controls: Some natural predators, such as parasitic wasps and certain birds, can help control Japanese beetle populations.

When do Japanese Beetles Come Out?

Japanese beetles typically emerge in early summer, usually around late June to early July, depending on the region and local climate conditions. They are most active during warm, sunny days and are often seen feeding on plants during this time.

Sawtoothed Grain Beetle

Sawtoothed Grain Beetles in North Carolina

The sawtoothed grain beetle is a common stored product pest found throughout the United States in homes, grocery stores, food warehouses, and grain storage facilities. Similar in appearance to the merchant grain beetle, the merchant grain beetle has the ability to fly, while the sawtoothed grain beetle does not. Adults find their way into stored grains, flour, sugar, nuts, and other dry material of plant origin through cracks and crevices of imperfectly sealed containers. They are incapable of attacking sound grain kernels and often occur in food previously infested by other stored product pests. Their flattened body allows them to easily penetrate broken kernels of grain and packaged materials. Not only do they contaminate food, they often cause mold problems due to moisture build-up.

Sawtoothed Grain Beetle Habitat

Sawtoothed grain beetles are commonly found in food manufacturing, storage, and retail facilities, as well as pantries in homes. This stored product pest feeds on bread, cereal, dry pasta, dried meats, candy, nuts, and other dry goods. A single female can lay up to 250 eggs within cracks of kernels of grain. As with other pantry insects, it is the larvae that do most of the damage, however, the adult is most commonly encountered. A typical discovery of a sawtoothed grain beetle infestation occurs when adult beetles are discovered crawling around a pantry area.

Sawtoothed Grain Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Sawtoothed grain beetles are not known to carry or transmit any diseases to humans and do not bite or sting. They are nuisance pests and will contaminate and damage food that is stored in the home. Adults can readily enter sealed cardboard boxes and soft plastic packaging. Sawtoothed grain beetles typically enter homes in products purchased from grocery stores that are already infested with larvae or adults. The primary infestation usually originates at the manufacturing facility where the product was produced.

If you have sawtoothed grain beetles in your North Carolina property, contact your local pantry pest control experts for help.

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Varied Carpet Beetle

Varied Carpet Beetles in North Carolina

The varied carpet beetle, which gets its name from the various colors on its back, is considered to be the most common carpet beetle in North Carolina. Carpet beetles are small insects that eat carpet and other natural fibers. Carpet beetle larvae are usually the first to catch a homeowner’s eye, as they are frequently striped and are covered in bristles, causing them to appear furry. As these larvae mature, they will shed their “shells,” which is another common way that carpet beetle infestations are identified.

Because there are many different types of beetles in North Carolina, they can be difficult to distinguish, however our common beetle species can help with this.

Varied Carpet Beetle Habitat

Outdoors, female beetles search out spider webs, bees, wasps, or bird nests as locations to lay their eggs. These nests and webs contain dead insects, beeswax, pollen, feathers, or other debris that can serve as larval food. Varied carpet beetles are present in many homes without being noticed. In small numbers, they can actually be beneficial to your home in the sense that they are good at breaking down old organic matter and “cleaning up” after other insects. Adults usually appear in spring or early summer; indoors, you’ll often find them near windows.

What Causes Varied Carpet Beetles?

Varied Carpet Beetles enter homes through open doors and windows or on infested items. They are attracted to natural fibers and can be brought into homes on woolen fabrics, furs, or other items containing animal fibers.

Varied Carpet Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Carpet beetles are scavengers. In homes, particularly large, old homes, this species commonly becomes entrenched in attics feeding on dead insect remains; it then moves down into the home to infest Oriental rugs, wall hangings, and wood-based wall-to-wall carpeting. The varied carpet beetle has been recorded feeding on a great variety of animal and plant products such as carpets, woolen goods, skins, furs, stuffed animals, leather book bindings, and dead insects and spiders. If you believe that your home has fallen victim to a carpet beetle infestation, contact a beetle control expert.

Are Varied Carpet Beetles Harmful?

Varied carpet beetles themselves are not harmful to humans or pets, but their larvae can cause allergic reactions in some people. The larvae have bristly hairs that can irritate the skin, respiratory tract, and eyes.

How to Get Rid of Varied Carpet Beetles?

To get rid of Varied Carpet Beetles, it’s essential to clean and vacuum regularly, particularly in areas where the beetles are likely to feed. Infested items should be washed in hot water or disposed of. Insecticides can be used in severe infestations, but professional pest control services are often more effective.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why do Carpet Beetles Come into My House?

Carpet Beetles commonly enter homes in search of food. They are attracted to natural fibers found in carpets, clothing, upholstered furniture, and other household items. They can also enter through open windows or doors or be brought in on infested items.

How do I Get Rid of Carpet Beetles?

Getting rid of carpet beetles involves a thorough cleaning of your home, regular vacuuming, washing infested items in hot water, and properly storing clothing and fabrics. Insecticides can be used for severe infestations, but professional pest control is often the most effective method.

What do Varied Carpet Beetles Feed on?

Varied Carpet Beetle larvae feed on a variety of animal-based materials, including wool, silk, leather, fur, hair, and feathers. They can also feed on plant-based materials and are known to cause damage to carpets, upholstered furniture, clothing, and other household textiles.