Beetles

The Coleoptera just happens to be one of the vastest of all the insect orders. It is comprised of approximately 400,000 unique species of varying colors and sizes. The beetle has unique features that make them easily identifiable. While in a variety of colors, every beetle has three sets of legs, two antennas, mandibles, elytra-protected from wings, and a segmented body.

Beetles are found throughout the world, excluding the sea and polar zones. They build their nests in rotting wood structures, such as downed trees and branches. Like most insect species, the beetle utilizes its mandibles for survival. The beetle’s mandibles are strong enough to break down plants, fungi, and wood.

The most common species include the stag beetle, powder post beetle, longhorn beetle, and ground beetle.

Why Is My Firewood Infested With Beetles?

As mentioned above, the beetle is attracted to decaying materials. This includes firewood and aging lumber stored outside in stacks. When firewood and lumber are not utilized over a period of time, it will begin to erode. At this point, it becomes a target for beetles and other insect species.

If your firewood is infested with beetles, it is likely decaying. Visibly, the firewood may appear to be in good condition. If you take a deeper look, some logs are probably rotting near the bottom of the stack. This is where the beetles will build their nests. If the appropriate intervention is not implemented, other insect species will add to the damage. Ants and termites are just a few examples.

Beetles can be found in trees, underground tunnels, water, compost heaps, decaying leaf piles, and tree stumps.

Are Beetles Disease-Carrying Insects?

Some species of beetle do carry disease. The bark beetle “Scolytidae” is just one example. The bark beetle is infected with a fungi-related disease deemed “Dutch elm.” Infected bark beetles spread the disease to specific tree species, including the North American and European elm trees.

Some species of beetle are notorious for their destruction of crops. One example is the Colorado potato beetle that targets potato plants. Another example is the hispin beetle “Brontispa longissimi,” which targets coconut trees. The mountain pine beetle has reportedly destroyed thousands of lodgepole pine trees in Canada.

What Treatment Plan Is Best For Residential Beetle Infestation?

Beetles are not considered a dangerous species. However, when left untreated, they can do significant damage to wooden structures and decaying material. Even though, the beetle is a solitary insect does not mean it will not destroy your property.

The beetle meets the criteria to be classified as an herbivore and a carnivore. The diet consists of plants and animals. Some species have a preferred diet of a single plant species. Most beetle species feed on rotting material like leaves, branches, tree stumps, decks, eaves, mailbox posts, and doghouses. Any wooden structure left to deteriorate can target beetles.

The most effective pest control treatment strategy for beetles is one that eliminates all sources of food. With a beetle infestation, there is little time to waste. The longer the beetles go untreated, the more significant the damage will become. Seeking the advice of a licensed pest management expert could potentially save you thousands of dollars.

Can Beetles Be Eliminated With Over-The-Counter Pesticides?

Over-the-counter insecticides are effective in some beetle cases. The level of effectiveness depends on the insecticide formula. Stronger formulas are obviously going to deliver a bigger punch than weaker formulas. To maximize the effectiveness of store-bought pesticides, pest control experts recommends combining them with beetle traps. When the pesticide isn’t working, the traps will pick up the slack.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Beetle Inspection Processed?

Our pest control company processes service requests within 24 and 48 hours. During the peak season for insect infestations, there may be a 24-hour delay.

Does Pest Control Products Meet EPA Regulations?

The Environmental Protection Agency “EPA” oversees the production and sale of all pest control products in the United States. The agency has developed a set of guidelines to protect the environment from harmful pesticide chemicals.

All brands available on the pest control market are deemed “safe for use” by the EPA. Never invest in shady pesticides because they may not meet these important requirements.

Is Pest Control Service Expensive?

Experts believe it is possible for consumers to minimize their expenses related to pest control services. Starting with a home inspection, it is possible to pinpoint infested areas. This alone can reduce pesticide waste and in return, minimize the overall cost of the service.

Opting for the best treatment can also reduce your expenses. Some consumers make the biggest mistake when choosing pest management treatments. They opt for over-the-counter pesticides when they are actually dealing with a full-blown infestation. Professional pest control is basically the best treatment option for beetle infestation. Taking the over-the-counter pesticide route first may increase the costs by at least 25 percent. Skipping the least effective alternative, going straight for professional pest control will offer several benefits. It will minimize the time invested in the process and potentially minimize cost.

How Homeowners Can Protect Their Homes From Beetles?

An effective beetle prevention strategy is one that removes all decaying wood from the beetle’s reach. To avoid beetles altogether, it is crucial to keep your property in good condition. Keep porches, decks, gates, and fences painted or varnished. A fresh coat of paint each year will minimize damage from exposure to the sun, wind, rain, snow, dust, and other environmental materials.

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