Ground Beetles and Their Control

Ground beetles are attracted to outdoor lighting, they also seek shelter indoors during day times in search of places to hide and to look for a food source if outdoor foods become scarce. Changes in outdoor moisture levels will also drive ground beetles indoors. Ground beetles are considered to have one of the largest families in the insect world consisting of 40,000 insect species. In North America alone there are about 2,500 of these known insects.

Ground beetles are soil bourne meaning they live and breathe in the soil, but can be found taking refuge in leaf litter, under boards, rocks, wood, logs, and other debris. Ground beetles natural habitat consists of forests, farms, fields, woodlands, tilled cropland, wildlands, shorelines, landscapes, and gardens. They are most active between April and October.

A Ground Beetle Diet

A ground beetle is considered a beneficial insect because their diet consists of slugs, worms, maggots, aphids, caterpillars, other insects, and invertebrates, some ground beetle species are known to consume pollen, seeds, and the shoots of plants.

A Ground Beetle Lifecycle

Ground beetles go through four stages, egg, larvae, pupa, and adult, the female lays her eggs in moist soil. Once the larvae hatch they dwell in the soil, the larvae are elongated with relatively large heads and distinct mandibles. Once the pupa stage is completed in the soil the ground beetle emerges as an adult. Adult ground beetles can typically live for one to four years.

Ground Beetle Identification

Most ground beetles are small to moderate in size, they are flattened with obvious mandibles(jaw).  Although some of them can meassure up to 1 inch, they are generally 1/8 to 1/2 inches long. Most ground beetles are black or brown and other species are brightly colored including red, green, and blue. The ground beetle head is narrower than the neck with thread-like antennae that is moderate to length. Their legs are slender and long.

Signs of Ground Beetle Infestation

There are several signs of ground beetle infestation if you see these signs it means that you have a ground beetle issue that must be brought under control.

• Seeing large numbers of ground beetles around your home’s foundation or in your home.
• Ground beetles will raise their heads making a popping sound when felt threatened.
• They are active at night time and can be mistaken for roaches because of their color.
• Some ground beetles when threatened will release a foul odor.

How to Get Rid of Ground Beetles Naturally

There are several ways to bring ground beetle control which is natural or using pesticides. Here is a list of natural ways to control ground beetles.

• Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that can be sprinkled on ground beetles or in areas where they are likely to congregate. DE will dry out the insect’s exoskeleton causing dehydration that will kill these beetles.
• Neem oil will also eliminate ground beetles, following the same steps as when applying Diatomaceous earth.
• Spraying Vinegar on ground beetles will not only kill them but will keep them from coming back
• Pouring boiling water on ground beetles will kill them but be careful with controlling ground beetles with this method to avoid coming in contact with boiling water.
• Essential oils will not only bring control but will provide fresh odors, mix essential oils with water in a 32 0z spray bottle and spray beetles.
• Chamomile contains a compound called chamazulene that have a negative effect on insects. Make a chamomile tea and spray it in areas where beetles congregate or directly on beetles.
• Chrysanthemums are another natural method that can be used to control ground beetles.  Planting chrysanthemums around your home will keep ground bettles away.
• Keeping mulches away from the building foundation will discourage ground beetles.

How to Get Rid of Ground Beetles with Pesticides

Although pesticides should be the last resort if you have a ground beetle infestation these pesticides will help to bring control. Before pesticide application read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the best results.

• Sevin^® Insect Killer Ready to Spray will help to control ground beetles, attach the bottle to a garden house, and treat effective areas. Treat soil and vegetation around your home, this product can treat your foundation up to a height of 3 feet.
• Sevin^® Insect Killer Granules can be applied with a fertilizer spreader, apply the granules 5-to 10-foot band around your home’s foundation once completed proceed with watering so that the water can release the active ingredient in the pesticide.
• Sevin^® Insect Killer Concentrate can be added to a pump sprayer and applied or treat soil and vegetation, create 5-to 10-foot band around your home’s foundation this product can treat your foundation up to a height of 3 feet.

How to Prevent Ground  Beetle Infestation

• Keep your outdoor areas clean and free of debris and clutter.
• Keep your indoor living space free of clutter and debris.
• Seal up cracks and crevices in your home.
• Make sure that your door sweep is in good repair or if not ensure to install a door sweep.
• Inspect areas where water and electrical pipes enter your home or building and seal with caulk or spray foam.
• Inspect your home thoroughly and regularly for beetles.
• Food crumbs and spills should be cleaned up immediately.
• Foods should be stored in air-tight containers.

Why are Beetles Attracted to Our Homes

• Beetles are attached to lights, if you can, use warm-colored outdoor lighting such as LED Lights.
• Warm or heated areas in our homes such as garages and attics will attract beetles so don’t be surprised if you see them lurking around.
• Beetles are attracted to nuts, cereal, beans, flour, rice other dry goods. Make sure that dry foods are stored in air-tight containers.
• Meat.
• Vegetables.Fruits.
• Bettles are attracted to moisture, places where moisture builds are crawlspaces, under sinks, and basements.

Additional information

Another way to bring control is to contact and hire a professional pest control company who will do the job for you.

Conclusion

The control of ground beetles is possible by following these steps, even if you have an infestation on your hand these beetle populations can be reduced. Ground beetles like other garden pests and rodents invade our indoor living space in search of a haven.  But don’t let them take over but stop them in their tracks by following this guide that has effective ways for the control of ground beetles.