Beetles

The Pacific Northwest is home to many insects and spiders that are beneficial to mankind. Often times these "bugs" actually keep at bay pests insects and spiders. For instance, Ladybugs eat aphids, house spiders keep hobo spiders out, and wasps eat a plethora of damaging insects. However, often times said insects end up on the wrong end of our tolerance when they invade our living spaces. Beetles are a group that, out in the wild they are beneficial, once they invade our homes they become destructive. Their most destructive phase however, is the grub phase. While Modern Pest Control does not handle full lawn or yard work, we can lay a barrier around your house to keep them out.

Beetles Identification

Weevils

Weevils are between 1/8- to 1/4-inch long, and can be identified by their long snouts. They can live up to 8 months and can expand out in a wide range from the original infestation. Weevils can be brought inside your home in packaged foods or bulk storage containers of grains and other dry goods. It is best to check these often for signs of weevils to ensure an infestation does not occur. Worldwide, three species of weevils are among the most destructive pests of stored food products. These are the rice, granary, and maize weevils. Weevils infest whole grains and rice as well as nuts, beans, cereals, seeds, corn, and other such foods.The female chews a hole into a seed or kernel and deposits an egg inside, then seals up the opening, leaving the egg behind. When the egg hatches the larva feeds on the meat inside until it is fully grown. The females constantly emit pheromones, and can breed as soon as the egg is laid. The male waits outside the hole for her to emerge, repeating the cycle. If you do find weevils it is best to throw out the contaminated food and sterilize the area they were discovered.

Beetles

Washington is home to many species of beetles. Some commonly found in the area are drugstore beetle, sawtoothed grain beetle, merchant grain beetle, cigarette beetle, flour beetle, spider beetle, stink bug (or house bug), and carpet beetle. All are considered pests once they invade our home. The Stink bug and Carpet Beetle will be discussed separately. Beetles, like other insects, go through metamorphosis in which it goes through four stages of development. The female beetle either lays hundreds of tiny, oval white or yellow eggs, usually on a leaf or in rotten wood, or give birth to live larvae. It usually takes from 4 – 19 days for either gestation or hatching larvae. Larvae consume a vast amount of food, and it is this stage that is considered the most destructive for agriculture. They molt often during this stage averaging 3-5 molts depending on the species. The extreme species actually can have up to 30 growth spurts however. It then enters into the ‘pupal stage’ which can take up to 9 months and usually happens over the winter period. After pupating, an adult will emerge.

Carpet Beetle

Carpet beetles are pests in warehouses, homes, museums, and other locations where suitable food exists. They cause serious damage to fabrics, carpets, furs, stored food, and are a sign there may be a cleanliness challenge. Have a teenager? May want to check that room for dirty dishes or half eaten food. Have pets? Dander and fur can feed carpet beetles. Moist window sills? Could be an excellent feast for this pest. Constant vigilance and cleanliness is essential for the prevention of this pest.

Stink Bug

The stink bug earned its name from its tendency to release an odor when disturbed or when crushed. Currently there are two identified species here in Washington - the Brown and the Green Stink Bug. They are large, oval-shaped insects often referred to as shield-shaped. Adult stink bugs can reach almost 2 cm in length. Homeowners often find stink bugs inside during the late summer and autumn. Finding large numbers of live or dead stink bugs is a telltale sign of an infestation. Stink bugs will turn up on sunny sides of homes.

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Beetles Control Methods

Beetles are a cyclical insect and need to be handled differently depending on what phase they are in. Adults are controlled through the inspection of foodstuff, fabrics and wooden items prior to bringing them into the home or business. Moisture control works to help prevent beetle infestations. If an infestation is found, replace and discard infested foodstuffs, fabrics or wooden items. Modern Pest Control has the means to eliminate infestations and prevent them from happening.

Beetles

Beetles

Beetles Identification

Weevils

Beetles

Carpet Beetle

Stink Bug

Beetles Control Methods

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Pierce

Thurston