Ground beetles are beneficial predators that help control an array of agricultural pests such as fruit orchards. Furthermore, they feed on garden pests such as ants, aphids, caterpillars and maggots in gardens.
However, they can become a problem inside buildings as well. Although not harmful to humans, their presence can become an irritation and create nuisance in residential homes and commercial structures alike.
Home Infestation
Ground beetles are one of the most widespread pests in North America, often appearing as black or brown slender insects that range in size from 1/8 inch to over 1 inch in width.
Ground beetles typically prefer the outdoors, where they feed on plants and small insects. But should they decide to make an appearance inside your home or building, they can quickly become an irritating presence.
Ground beetles tend to be opportunistic invaders that will search out damp or dark areas to hide and nest in. They gain entry through small cracks or gaps around windows, doors and vents.
To prevent Ground Beetles from invading your home, seal any gaps around foundations and doors with caulk, remove debris from basement and crawl space storage areas, reduce clutter levels, and take other steps such as applying Supreme IT regularly to help control infestation.
Garden Infestation
Ground beetles are an increasingly prevalent problem in gardens and landscape areas, particularly agriculture. They’re active nocturnally and tend to hide in grasses or under rocks or logs for cover at nighttime.
Predatory insects like earthworms feed on garden insects and plants, helping maintain soil health by breaking down organic matter.
Have you ever noticed a black beetle scurrying across rocks or garden debris, seemingly undeterred by any odds or ends, looking like it had some sort of purpose in being there? Chances are it was probably a ground beetle – these dark, nocturnal insects can often prove beneficial for gardens as they eat many garden pests while providing shelter to other beneficial insects.
Maintain a regular inspection schedule of your garden for signs of pests and infestation, paying particular attention to signs like wilted leaves, yellow tips, shriveled growth, spots on fruits or any other obvious indicators of problems.
Foundation Infestation
Ground beetles that gain entry through gaps or cracks in the foundation may damage materials within. A perimeter treatment using liquid residual pesticides could help manage this problem effectively.
Preventing ground beetle infestation is best achieved by sealing any potential entry points around your home or building and keeping mulch away from its foundation. Furthermore, reducing outdoor lighting in your area will help decrease the number of ground beetles entering.
If you notice an increase in ground beetle activity on your property, reach out to an Orkin Pro in your area who can create a customized program specific to your situation.
Commercial Infestation
Ground beetles in commercial buildings can create several issues. These pests typically enter through cracks and crevices after flying from nearby fields and gardens, often arriving en masse to enter through cracks in walls or through openings in doors and floors.
Ants can be an annoying pest when they congregate around brightly lit areas, and they can even damage buildings as they feed upon siding and foundations, chewing through them to gain entry.
Bees can often be found tucked beneath wood, rocks, leaves and debris in the soil. Their activity usually increases at nighttime when drawn towards light sources.
These tiny bugs range in length from 1/8 to 1 inch, with three pairs of legs and prominent mandibles.