Beetles are often confused with bugs. Both insects have 2 sets of wings. However, beetle’s wings are thinner compared to bugs' and have a leather, shell-like formation. Beetles' appearance often varies depending on their species. Beetles have about 350,000 species that make up the 40% of insect species.
In the US alone, there are about 30,000 beetle species. They are widely distributed and can be seen in every part of the world, except in the polar region. Most beetle species prefer to be alone. They also move slowly, making them one of the easiest pests to control. While beetles are often generalized as a nuisance to humans, there are beetle species that are helpful to humans.
Helpful Beetle Species
- Pennsylvania Leatherwing Beetle – A type of soldier beetle. They are used as pest control for gardens and help in pollination.
- Ladybug Beetle – eat aphids. Aphids are pests in agriculture.
- Ground Beetle – also used as pest control for gardens.
- Burying Beetle – they help in decomposition by burying dead animals such as birds and rodents.
Harmful Beetle Species
- Blister Beetle –secretes a chemical called cantharidin, which is harmful to human skin and causes blisters. A subtype of blister beetle includes but is not limited to American oil blister beetle and Megetra cancellata blister beetle.
- Emerald Ash Borer – their infestation causes deforestation to neighborhoods. Rose Chafer – eats the blossom and leaves of a rose plant.
- Spotted Tree Borer Beetle – larvae spotted tree borer attack and destroy trees.
- White Oak Borer Beetle – larvae of white oak borer dig out tunnels into giant trees, steal its nutrients, and destroy its vascular tissues.
- Spotted Cucumber Beetle – adult and larvae spotted cucumbers eat varieties of plants such as cucumbers, melons, beans, squash, and pumpkins. The larvae chew up even the roots of the plants.
- Three-Lined Potato Beetle – eats leaves of plants such as tomatoes, and potatoes, nightshades like peppers and eggplants.
- Fabric Beetle – when they infest a home, they can damage any fabric materials such as carpet and clothing. They eat protein that can be found in fabric material of animal origin such as silk, cotton, leather, wool, and feathers.
All-Natural Beetle Control Methods
- Apple Cider Vinegar – works as a natural pesticide. Put the apple cider in a spray bottle and spray it on fabric materials such as carpets.
- Cedar Oil – works as a natural pesticide. Mix 50% cedar oil and 50% water in a spray bottle and spray it on fabric materials such as carpet.
- Eucalyptus Oil – works like apple cider vinegar. Whole Cloves – works like a repellent. Place a bag of cloves in areas that have been infested by beetles.
- Tomato Leaves – used if beetles infest your garden. Soak 2 cups of chopped tomato leaves in 3-5 cups of water overnight. Filter the water using a strainer. Add ¼ teaspoon of liquid soap to the filtered water then mix it. Put it in a spray bottle and spray it on the ground.
- Bay Leaves – works as a repellent. Place wrap bay leaves in areas that have been infested by beetles. Bay leaves are a silent beetle killer. At first, the bay leaves attract the beetle, then gradually kills it.