BEETLES

There are 300,000+ known beetle species worldwide and they range in size, shape and colour and what they eat. The most common types of beetles that infest homes and businesses here in Ontario are the carpet beetle, cone nose beetle and Asian lady beetle. Most beetles are harmless and just a nuisance. Others can bite or cause damage to personal property. Other beetle species are destructive and can damage your home or personal belongings and home.

Knowing which type of beetle has infested your home or building is crucial in determining the most effective way to get rid of beetles. 

There are many types of carpet beetles in the world. The three most common carpet beetle species in North America are the black carpet beetle, the furniture carpet beetle and the varied carpet beetle:

• Black carpet beetles are shiny-black in colour with brown legs.
• Furniture carpet beetles have yellow and white spots, and black scales.
• Varied carpet beetles are distinguished by a mix of white, brown and yellow colouring.

The typical carpet beetle is 1-4mm in size with an oval-shaped body.

Adult carpet beetles feed on seeds, plants and flowers, however their larva feed on natural fibres in carpets, clothing, fabric and fur, which cause destruction and damage. Carpet beetle infestations often go unnoticed for some time, which results in severe, noticeable damage to carpets, bedding, pillows, clothing, furs, and upholstered furniture.

Carpet beetles gain entry to homes and buildings through cracks and gaps in doors, windows and other entry points.

To get rid of carpet beetles, it is best to prevent them:

• Vacuum often to to eliminate any accumulation of hair, lint, and food. 
• Seal up cracks and gaps around entry points.
• Replace broken or torn screens.
• Install door sweeps.
• Use weatherstripping on windows.

To get get of a carpet beetle infestation, contact a licensed pest control company for help.

Cone nosed bugs are around 1" in length with brown bodies and light markings running along their backs.

When crushed, a cone nosed bug emits a pine needle like scent. They are a nuisance pest that often invades home and buildings in the fall to overwinter in the attic or wall voids. To control cone nosed bug infestations, pest proof your home or business and contact a pest control professional to apply a treatment to the exterior walls, fascia, soffits, windows and door frames.

The multicolored Asian lady beetle has become common throughout Ontario. It is well known for the annoying habit of accumulating on the sides of buildings and wandering indoors during the fall.

Asian lady beetles are often mistaken for lady bugs. They are 7 mm and dome-shaped with yellow, orang, tan or red colouring. Deep orange is the most common color. While many have black spots on their back, some have none. They are distinguished from other ladybug species by large white cheeks and a black "W" or "M", on its head, depending on your viewpoint of the insect. Other ladybug species have a black head and may have white marks on their cheeks, but these white marks are less pronounced.

Asian lady beetles are a beneficial biological control in trees during the summer, and in fields and gardens during the fall, but can be a severe household nuisance pest during late fall, winter and spring. Country areas, wooded residential and industrial areas are especially prone to severe problems. These little pests can spread over time and may be more difficult to rid as time passes.

Getting rid of Asian lady beetles is best achieved through prevention. This includes pest proofing in the spring and fall, and hiring a licensed pest control professional to treat the perimeter of your home and building with a residual spray. In some cases these beetles will be an ongoing issue and can never be 100% eliminated. They can be controlled and managed by taking the same preventative actions.