All about beetles in New Jersey

You know that New Jersey gets many bugs due to the proximity to the ocean, the scorching hot summers, and the terrible winters. However, one particular type of bug is devastating to the crops as well as your household items. Sadly, many folks don’t think of the beetle as a threat to their home or garden, but they can be an expensive problem to handle. 

While they’re not as menacing as the cockroach or the termite, they can cause significant issues too. Beetles are everywhere in this state, and there are an estimated 350,000 different species. Thankfully, there are nowhere near that many beetles that call the Garden State home. Consequently, if you don’t get control of these bugs rather quickly, you may find that they’ve overtaken your home or office. 

A few beetles crawling through the yard is normal, but an overabundance is a real sign of trouble. The key is to learn the behaviors of this pest and take preventative measures to avoid such an issue. Additionally, there are a few home treatments you can try if the problems aren’t too bad. Make no mistake; a full-size beetle infestation requires the professional assistance of a licensed pest control technician.

Understanding Beetles

The number of beetles that exist is ever-changing, as more species are being uncovered continuously. The variations between the species are vast, and some have horns and pinchers while others come in beautiful colors and have distinct behaviors. In the Garden State, entomologists have identified 131 varieties, which means you need to be aware of what might be lurking in your garden. 

When identifying these pests, you may confuse them with other bugs, as many of them look similar. You will notice with almost all the species the sharp mandibles that they have in the front. Without the mandible, chewing food and killing their prey to eat would be difficult. 

Some beetles are as small as an ant, and others can be larger than your hand. So, the variation between these bugs is immense. Consequently, if you see a bug as large as your hand hanging out in your garden, you should take a picture and call pest control. The little fellas can bother you just as much as the bigger ones, even though the larger ones may be the less harmless of the two. 

Not all beetles are an indication of trouble. Some can be beneficial for your garden. For instance, certain species can dine on bugs that can destroy your plants. You don’t want snails, cutworms, aphids, or mealybugs hanging around, and beetles love to eat them. Many species of beetles are suitable to keep around, like ladybugs. 

With all the good beetles comes some bad ones too, and those that destroy your crops and trees are not good to have around. Two that are specifically a nuisance are the emerald ash borer and the powder post beetle. Since they have a craving for wood products, many think these pests are termites or carpenter ants. 

No, beetles can be just as damaging as termites, but they look nothing alike. Please make no mistake; they can destroy the foundation of your home or business with their incessant chewing. Wood isn’t the only substance a beetle may feast on, as some prefer carpeting. The carpet beetles love to sink their teeth into your carpet or fabric. So, once they get inside the home, the damage can really add up quickly.

Are Beetles Dangerous?

While you may not equate beetles to be dangerous to your health like mice and rats, they pose some risks to you. First, they walk across your counters and kitchen table. Since they stroll through feces when they’re outside, they can transfer particles of the fecal matter to your food. 

If you eat some of the tainted food unknowingly, it can make you extremely sick. No one wants infected materials lying on their food, so it’s essential to get it taken care of quickly if you have a beetle issue. 

Controlling Beetles Near You

The spring and summer are the times when beetles are the most active. During the harsh winters here in the northeast, the adult bugs go into hibernation. However, if they’re living inside your home, they can be in full production year-round. Sadly, you can have larvae, nymphs, and adults all thriving in your home or business no matter what time of year. 

Since most pests are attracted by food, you must clean up your mess as soon as you’re done eating. Get a garbage can that has a lid that covers, and never keep food in unsealed containers. Another significant issue is cracking around windows, doors, and gaps in your foundation. Since some of these bugs are so small, they can quickly get into these cracks without issue. 

Take time and do inventory around your home to see where bugs and vermin can enter. The more proactive you are about these issues, the less you will need to exterminate. Due to the vast number of these pests that exist, it’s often incredibly challenging for the untrained person to know which beetle has moved in. 

However, a trained professional knows all too well the common bugs that cause problems for fellow New Jersey homes and businesses, and we know what works best to get rid of them. We will devise an IPM or Integrated Pest Management plan for you. We care what’s bugging you, and we have the methods necessary to eradicate the problem.

More comparison articles:

Mice and rats: What’s the difference?
House Mice and Deer Mice: What’s the difference?
Termites and flying ants: What’s the difference?
Carpenter bees and bumble bees: What’s the difference?

To learn more:

Our service area
Our carpenter bee control services
Our wasp control services
Our hornet control services
Our yellow jacket control services
Six Common Ticks Found in And Around New Jersey
How to Get Rid of Beetles in My Pantry?