Beetle Identification & Prevention

There are around 350,000 different species of beetles living worldwide. They are a diverse group of organisms with varying appearances, food preferences, and habitats. Use this guide to learn about the beetles that call our region home. 

We want to help you keep pests away from your property. Call us at (706) 702-4532 today to schedule an appointment with American Pest Control.

What are beetles?

Did you know that about one-quarter of all animal species are beetles? Beetles belong to the order Coleoptera, the largest group of animals living worldwide. The word Coleoptera means "sheathed wing." Beetles are set apart from other insects because their first pair of wings has developed into hard protective sheaths that cover their delicate hind (flight) wings. When at rest, their wings form a distinct line down their backs. In addition to their unique wing structure helping to identify them, we also identify beetles by their chewing mouthparts.

Though 30,000 different types of beetles live across the United States, in Athens and the surrounding areas, the following species commonly invade houses and other structures:

• Carpet beetles
• Cigarette beetles
• Drugstore beetles
• Sawtooth grain beetles

Beetles play essential roles in nature, including breaking down waste and dead or decaying animal or plant matter, aerating the soil, and feeding on and controlling garden pests. However, when beetles move into our homes, they are unwanted pests, and you must eliminate them quickly. 

Are beetles dangerous?

Beetles are dangerous because of their ability to be destructive and contaminate food sources. Depending on the species, they feed on and damage natural or synthetic fabrics, wood, dry food items, crops, and stored products.

Adult female beetles lay their eggs on suitable food sources; when the larvae emerge from the eggs, they begin feeding. In the case of carpet, cigarette, drugstore, sawtooth grain beetles, and many other species, the larva is the life stage that causes the most damage.

Keeping beetles out of your Athens home is important in preventing the damage these pests can cause. 

Why do I have a beetle problem?

Beetles can invade our houses on their own or after we unintentionally bring them indoors. Light attracts adult beetles; the exterior lights of our homes regularly draw them to the windows and doors. As they move around, they enter through small gaps and cracks they come across. Once inside, they quickly search for places to rest and lay their eggs.

Hitchhiking is another common way beetles enter our homes. Purchasing food or wood already infested with beetle eggs or larvae is a common way beetle infestations begin. They also move from structure to structure inside items like rugs, blankets, clothing, and upholstered furniture.