Though most beetles in central Pennsylvania are not harmful to humans, they can be a nuisance several ways, whether they infest clothing and other fabric, contaminate food products, or destroy wood. If you suspect a beetle problem in your home or on your property, click the button below to set up an appointment with our trusted professionals.
Beetles make up almost 40% of all known insects, with about 400,000 different species. The most noticeable characteristic of beetles is the hardened outer wings, known as wing cases, which protect the secondary wings and create a waterproof barrier that protects against outside elements.
There are several types of beetles you may see in the Harrisburg, York, and Lancaster areas of Pennsylvania, and they can be separated into a few categories:
Some beetles will seek out stored food, like nuts, flour, grains, and sugar. The most common in Pennsylvania are larder beetles and sawtoothed grain beetles, which you may see in your pantry or cabinets.
You've probably seen long, slender beetles that are dark brown or black in color in your Pennsylvania home. These are called powderpost beetles, and they depend on sapwood and old hardwood for their livelihood, as their larvae feed on the sugars, starch, and proteins in the wood.
Longhorned beetles have similar behavioral traits, laying their eggs in wood and allowing their larvae to feed on the wood as they grow.
The larvae of carpet beetles feed on the fibers of carpet and other fabric, creating small holes and damage as they grow. Carpet beetles are more rounded in shape than the beetles mentioned above, and tend to be about 1/8" long.
Japanese beetles are quite common in Pennsylvania, and are often the primary type of beetle most people think of. They do not usually damage property or contaminate food, but will chew on plants and organic material.
Asian lady beetles are visually similar to ladybugs, but are an invasive species. They tend to secrete an unpleasant pheromone, which is most noticeable when there are many beetles in one area.
The main reason beetles tend to be a nuisance for humans is damage to property as a result of chewing. You may find small holes in food storage bags/containers, pinholes in wood and fine dust around wood, or damage to your garden.
We typically start with non-chemical solutions to control or eradicate beetle activity for our customers. If that proves to be ineffective, we will proceed with insecticides to ensure positive results. Do you have a beetle problem? Click the button below or give us a call to set up an appointment.
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