Beetle Identification & Prevention

Beetles are insects identified by their unique wing structure. Their first pair of wings are hard and provide a protective cover for the second pair of more delicate flight wings. When at rest, the first pair of wings meet at the middle of the body and form a noticeable line down the back.

With so many beetles living worldwide, there is a lot of diversity within the species. Each type of beetle has a unique appearance, feeding habits, preferred habitats, and life cycle.

Depending on the species, we refer to beetles as fabric pests, stored product pests, pantry pests, or wood-destroying pests.

Beetles aren't necessarily dangerous, but they can be destructive.

Adult females lay their eggs on a suitable food source; the larvae hatch and begin feeding on whatever food source the female provided, causing damage or contaminating it in the process.

Wood, natural or synthetic fabrics, fur or feathers, and stored food products provide breeding sites and food sources for beetles.

Beetles can become a problem in any of our homes. Adult beetles can enter houses and other structures on their own after crawling on the exterior of your home and moving inside through cracks, gaps, and holes they come across.

Another common way beetles find their way into our homes is by hitchhiking. Homeowners will unintentionally introduce adult beetles, larvae, or eggs into their homes in things like pantry items, rugs, clothing, and wooden items.

Beetles living outside typically choose places that provide them with a damp, dark habitat. Gardens, flowerbeds, trees, woodpiles, and the moist soil under trash cans, potted plants, and fallen trees are common gathering spots for many types of beetles.

While many beetles on your Chicago property live successfully outdoors, it is common for them to migrate into our man-made structures. Houses, restaurants, grocery stores, schools, and storage facilities are common places to discover beetle infestations.

Finding beetles, beetle eggs, or larvae within your home is a sign that you need to contact a professional so they can complete an inspection and find and eliminate all of the beetles. 

Partnering with the professionals at Sleep Tight Extermination is the most effective and stress-free way to get rid of beetles from your property. Our professionals will quickly remove these problematic pests from your home using quality products and eco-friendly, effective treatments.

Call today to learn more about residential pest control in Chicago and how we can work together to guard your home against beetles and other household pests!

To prevent problems with beetles in Chicago, utilize the following prevention tips.

• Stop adult beetles from entering your home by ensuring that screens are intact and secure in windows and doors and that weatherstripping is functional. 
• Seal cracks in your foundation and exterior walls.
• Cut back shrubs and bushes from your home's exterior. 
• Inspect plants, pieces of firewood, or storage containers for hitchhiking beetles. 
• Always check food packaging for rips or tears before purchasing it from a grocery or pet food store.

Please call us if you need help controlling beetles in or around your Chicago home! Our beetle control solutions are reliable and affordable. Reach out today!