The beetle might seem to be a boring insect. Nobody talks about it. No one seems to pay attention to it. Save for maybe the entomologists, they do not really get much love. However, their influence extends far beyond the insect world. A very popular car was named after it; perhaps the greatest rock band was named after them, albeit with an “a”; movies were made and named after them. So, what is a beetle?
Overview of Beetles
Beetles are small insects that are classified as Coleoptera, the largest group of species as they number in the 400,000’s. Now that is a lot! Though they all are under the same classification, they do not look alike as they vary in color, shape, and size. They have a pair of antennae on their heads and have mandibles that they use for chewing. They have three pairs of legs located at the thorax. They have a hard exoskeleton, and their anatomies are typical of any other insects. From hatching to adult, these beetles go through complete body transformation or metamorphosis. The beetle's life cycle begins from being an egg to a larva, then a pupa, and finally to an adult.
Beetles are also among the most widely eaten insects worldwide.
Beetles as Pests
Some species of beetles are serious pests. There is one type of beetle known as the wood-boring beetles that invade and damage wood furniture. Three of the most common groups of wood-boring beetles are the powder post, the deathwatch, and the false powder post. They also invade and damage wood structures in homes and buildings. The larvae, and not the adults, are the ones who do the most damage as they feed on the wood from the inside, only to emerge later on as adults. They then would chew their way out to create exit holes.
Signs of Infestation
Powderpost beetles prefer hardwood and wood with high starch content. Infestations are likely to occur in wood moldings, wood paneling, windows, doors, plywood, and furniture. Round, tiny exit holes could mean you have powder post-beetle infestation.
On the other hand, deathwatch beetles attack softwood; old and partially decaying wood; and wood that has plenty of moisture. As usual, round, tiny exit holes give out their presence.
False powderpost beetles invade both hardwood and softwood. In houses and buildings, false powderpost beetles attack furniture, floors, wood paneling, and other wood materials.
Control
Cleanliness is the most important step to prevention. Destroy scrap lumber and other wood products before these beetles get to them. Dispose of any dead tree limbs around your area.
Upon construction of your home or building, thoroughly inspect the materials to be used for construction. Seal holes, cracks, or openings on the wood by painting or varnishing.
If the bug infestation had already begun, then it would be difficult to control them. In that case, you would need to call in the experts. If you are in Forest Acres, then let Go-Forth Home Services Company take care of your needs. Go-Forth has been serving customers since 1959, and their team of experts will surely get the job done.
To set an appointment, just dial (877) 274-1475. Our friendly operators are standing by.