There are over 4,000 different beetle species in the UK so if you find yourself with a sudden and unidentified beetle infestation it may not be easy to know exactly what they are straight away.
Some beetle species more commonly infest houses than others. Carpet beetles for example are associated with human activity as their larvae eat natural fibres, such as wool and silk, which are commonly found in people’s homes.
A carpet beetle infestation is usually quick to identify due to bare areas of carpet, and carpet beetle extermination tends to be relatively straightforward if you are using professional carpet beetle pest control services. Commonly a residual insecticide is used which needs to dry and remain on all floor areas for at least 21 days after application, as this will exterminate live adult carpet beetles as well as younger ones which hatch after the initial treatment.
Sometimes bed bugs can be mistaken as a type of beetle being similar in appearance at first glance, however they are a nocturnal parasitic insect known as a Cimicidae, normally feeding on human blood during the night. Bedbug extermination requires an in depth and thorough treatment if they are to be eliminated effectively and professional bed bug pest control services are always recommended.
Occasionally a beetle infestation can occur where the source and identity of the beetles is not immediately obvious straight away. Larder beetles for example eat meat, and so are normally associated with a dead animal of some kind, such as a bird or rat. The presence of larder beetles can therefore indicate a bigger problem – if there is a dead rat in your house, there is a reasonable chance this means there is a rat infestation that needs dealing with as a separate issue.
Some beetles hibernate over Winter and houses can provide the shelter they are looking for. Ladybirds are a prime example of a hibernating beetle and can infest a house in their thousands. Strawberry beetles also come in from the fields during the Autumn and can be the source of a beetle infestation during the Autumn months. Both beetles are harmless to humans however if they are infesting a rental or holiday home for example, sometimes beetle pest control services or extermination are required. Biscuit beetles are associated with a human food source, which needs to be found and removed before effective beetle extermination can be carried out.
If you have a beetle infestation and require beetle pest control services, we always try to identify any beetles using photographs or video first. If the beetles are still difficult to identify we can collect a sample for laboratory insect identification. Once the exact species is known the most effective treatment and prevention steps can be implemented.
All beetles in the UK have a mouth and can bite, but rarely if ever bite humans. Beetles never sting and are generally harmless. However, a beetle infestation can be overwhelming in large numbers and may be a secondary sign of another problem – such as rotting food or rodent infestation – so it is worth identifying the beetles and taking preventative measures where required. If you are experiencing beetles in large numbers you may wish to have beetle extermination carried out by professional beetle pest control services which is generally the most effective option.
