Tips to Control Overwintering Beetles

How To Get Rid Of Beetles-a-rhinoceros-beetle — *A rhinoceros beetle*

There are “400,000 species of beetles worldwide of this number several hundred are common to gardens, on land their habitat are numerous some of which include living in dung, rotting wood or plant material, in carrion, on vegetation, fungi, caves, cracks in coastal rocks, stones, compost heap, trees and their barks, leaf pile, trumpery, high up on mountains, meadows, seashore, salt flats, swamps, under leaves on or in flowers, garden beds, leaf debris. Beetles can be found in deserts, some beetles are aquatic, living in bodies of water that range from small puddles to cold mountain streams.

It seems like a beetle’s natural habitat is endless, during the colder weather many of these beetles seek shelter in leaf litter and under garden debris some will seek shelter in more covered areas like our homes, shade, and garages where they will overwinter emerging once the warmer months returns.

Their presence in your home can cause a stir or become a nuisance as they feed on many household items from package foods to book bindings, rugs, carpet, blankets, pillows, decorative items, upholstery, sweaters, comforters, scarves, toys, leather, felt, wool, feathers, silk, etc.. with this amount of damage caution and quick action should be taken to winter-proof your homes to ensure beetles can’t get in.

How to Stop Beetles from Overwintering In Your Home

Some simple yet effective steps can be taken to keep beetles from overwintering in your home, to control beetles from moving indoors during the winter months first control them outdoors as a safe-proof way to bring beetle control. Although taking these steps may not completely remove beetles from your landscape and gardens these steps will help to reduce their numbers bringing better control of their population from seeking shelter indoors.

Maintain flower gardens and plant beds by the removal of leaf piles, debris, and other dead plant material, this will reduce places for beetles to shelter.
Trimming back the branches of trees that are touching your home or roof is so important because beetles like other insect pests and rodents for example mice and rats will use tree branches that are making contact with your home as a bridge to travel from the ground onto your home followed by seeking an entry point.
Keeping your lawn at the proper mowing height can also discourage the presence of beetles, tall or overgrown grasses act as a hiding place and a shelter for beetles.
Firewood should be stored of the ground on racks or at least stored 20 feet away from your home.
Before removing and storing any outdoor garden furniture away for the winter first inspect to see if there are hitchhikers ( beetles including other insects) that may be attached to these furniture.
Before moving outdoor potted plants indoors inspect that there are no insects or even a lizard or two that may be seeking a warmer location from winter chill.
Seal cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation with caulk.
Look for openings around your door and windows, and fix or seal any small openings that you find with caulk.
Replacing whether stripping around windows and doors if needed.
Insects can squeeze in small openings under doors so ensure to install or replace the door threshold.
Cut off the water source by fixing any pipes or faucets that are leaking both out and indoors.
Containers that collect water out and indoors should be removed.

Signs that Beetles are Living Indoors

Seeing them in your home.
If there is an infestation you may smell an odor that’s strong and unpleasant.
The eggs of beetles are small and oval-shaped, these eggs can be found in clusters in cracks in the wall or outdoors under rocks.
Beetle droppings or feces are often granular dark and small, these droppings can be found where beetles are living in basements, under furniture, and closets.

Where to Inspect for Beetles

Here are a few places to inspect to find beetles.

Because basements are usually cool and dark beetles will seek shelter there.
Search under your bed and sofa.
If there are cracks and crevices indoors may be a haven for beetles, for example, walls, ceilings, and floors.

How to Remove Beetles from Your Home

If beetles have already found their way into your home then your next step is to take these actions.

Make sure always after food preparation and consumption to sweep up and remove food particles.
Mob or dry up water spills including tea, coffee, and other drinks.
Store packaged dry foods in airtight containers.
Make sure that your home remains clutter-free.
Use Food-grade diatomaceous earth. Lightly sprinkle near entry points and areas where beetles were spotted. Once beetles come in contact with diatomaceous earth will dehydrate them killing them. Reapply as needed.
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a 32 oz. spray, shake the solution well, and apply directly to beetles to kill them. Reapply as needed.
Carefully pouring boiling water on beetles will kill them.
Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a 32 0z hand spray with water, shake this mixture well, and spray directly on beetles or in areas where they were seen. Beetles hate the strong scent of peppermint and will stay away.
Neem oil is a natural insecticide and will kill beetles, spray neem oil directly on beetles or in areas where beetles are seen.
Essential oils mixed with water in a 32 0z bottle will kill beetles.

Additional information

Some products can be purchased from your nursery or garden center labeled to kill beetles, make sure the choice of products is safe to use indoors around children and pets by reading and following the manufacturer’s directions on the label.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What attracts beetles to my home or garden?

Beetles love places with food, moisture, and shelter. If you’ve got bright outdoor lights, uncovered trash, rotting wood, or even ripe fruits or veggies in your garden, you might be unintentionally inviting them in. Indoors, cluttered spaces and damp areas (like basements or kitchens) can be hotspots too.

2. Are beetles dangerous to humans or pets?

Most beetles aren’t dangerous to people or pets. But that doesn’t mean you want them hanging around! Some species can bite (though it’s rare), and others may contaminate food or damage your home or plants. Carpet beetles, for example, can be a real pain when it comes to fabric and upholstery.

3. What’s the fastest way to get rid of beetles naturally?

Vacuuming is your best friend for a quick and natural beetle cleanup—especially indoors. For gardens or outdoor areas, neem oil or diatomaceous earth works wonders. Both are natural, pet-safe (when used correctly), and great at repelling or killing beetles without harsh chemicals.

4. Do I need professional pest control to handle a beetle problem?

Not always. If it’s a small infestation, you can usually manage it with a combination of cleaning, sealing up entry points, and using natural repellents. But if you’re seeing beetles in big numbers or they keep coming back despite your efforts, it might be time to call in the pros.

5. How do I prevent beetles from coming back?

Great question! Prevention is all about being proactive. Keep your home clean, especially food storage areas. Seal any cracks and gaps that are found around windows and doors. Reduce outdoor lighting during beetle season, and store firewood away from your house. These simple steps are effective will go a long way to manage beetles.

6. Are beetle traps effective?

Yes, many beetle traps work well—especially pheromone traps. These attract certain types of beetles and lure them away from your plants or home. Just be careful where you place them; you don’t want to draw beetles closer to your house by accident!

7. Can beetles damage my plants or garden?

Absolutely. Some beetles, like Japanese beetles or cucumber beetles, are known garden pests. They chew through leaves, fruits, and flowers, causing a lot of damage fast. Catching them early and using natural sprays or row covers can really help protect your plants.

8. Can I tell the difference between carpet beetles and bed bugs?

It’s easy to mix them up, but here is the different! Carpet beetles eat fabric, pet hair, and natural fibers. Bed bugs feed on blood. If you’re seeing tiny bugs near your clothes, furniture, or baseboards—and you’re not getting bites—it’s probably carpet beetles.

9. What household products kill beetles?

You’ve got options! A mix of water and dish soap in a spray bottle can kill beetles on contact. Vinegar and essential oils (like peppermint or tea tree oil) also make great natural repellents. For a stronger solution, boric acid or store-bought insect sprays can be effective.

10. When is beetle season, and how long do infestations last?

Beetles are most active in late spring through summer, depending on your local climate. Infestations can last a few weeks or stretch into months if not handled. Acting early—especially at the first sign of beetles—can make a huge difference in how long they stick around.

Conclusion

Creating and implementing an action plan to deter or remove beetles from your home will ensure you have an environment that is free of them, this guide will assist you in creating that action plan. Implementing a few of these methods will work for you because they have been tried and tested to give the results you are looking for.