Beetles are both good and bad. Some types destroy crops and landscaping, while others help get rid of garbage, eat dead trees, and pollinate flowers.
Common Types Of Beetles
There are well over 100 known types of beetles that inhabit the state of Florida. The exact number varies depending on whom you ask. Some of the more common include:
Ground Beetles
Sawtooth Beetles
Stink Beetles
Powderpost Beetles
Carpet Beetles
Cigarette Beetles
Blister Beetles
Click Beetles
Fireflies
Junebugs
There are so many species that you are bound to encounter all of these and many more. It seems there is a beetle for every possible situation, both indoors and out. There are some on the list that you wouldn’t associate with beetles, like fireflies and ladybugs for example. Beetle factoid- beetles cannot see very well, so they communicate using pheromones, sounds, and vibrations.
Why Do They Come?
You have heard ‘if you build it they will come’. Well, this is no different. If your yard meets the criteria of food, water, tall grass, and plenty of shady places to hang out, then you have essentially extended an invitation to beetles. If your house has yummy textiles and sugary, starchy food in the pantry then the party is on. It’s all the permission beetles need.
Ground beetles and other yard beetles prefer the outdoors, but will occasionally wander in through a crack or under a door sweep. Once they are in, they generally find nothing of interest and look for a way out. The problem is when the beetle population is high and the occasional invader becomes a regular invader. They will also come in droves if it gets too cold out.
Carpet beetles, sawtooth beetles, and other indoor varieties will be fat and sassy as they happily munch on textiles or pantry products. They can ruin expensive rugs or furniture. This is especially sad if it is a family heirloom. They will also ruin hundreds of dollars of food items. Unlike the outdoor types of beetles that are occasional invaders, these are always looking for ways into the house. Whatever the type they can spread disease and cause allergies.
Prevention Tips
Preventing beetles is really all about making your Tampa property less inviting. You can do this by:
Replacing exterior white lighting with yellow, insect-resistant lighting as white lights attract insects.
Keeping landscaping and grass trimmed since tall grass is inviting to ground beetles and other pests.
Clearing away yard debris. Beetles use leaf piles, fallen trees, and brush piles to hide from the drying effects of the sun and, in these places, they can also find a food source.
Remove items that block the sunlight and create areas that are dark and damp. These are perfect locations for beetles, spiders, cockroaches, and many other pests.
Examine foundation walls for cracks and seal them. Look for gaps in the weatherstripping around doors and windows and damage to door sweeps. Examine window frames and repair holes, gaps, or cracks.
Make sure that all screens are in good repair.
Vacuum frequently. Carpet beetles will feel as cozy as a bug in a rug.
Check your pantry for uninvited guests and inspect packaging for small holes.
Store dry goods in airtight containers.
You will find that even if you follow this list to the letter, some beetles will still find a way onto your property.
Calling In The Pros
Florida is geographically in a great spot for beetles. They thrive in our climate making them a nuisance to homeowners. Bold Servicing has premium services that are convenient, effective, and eco-friendly. We are ready, willing, and able to help you with your beetle problems. Call for a free estimate today.