Beetle Treatment & Control

Ground beetles are medium to large sized black/brown beetles that occasionally develop large populations outdoors. In the Ann Arbor area, this usually happens when we have higher than average rainfall in the spring. When large populations of these beetles are in the same areas as homes and businesses they often crawl inside causing a significant disruption.

There are many types of beetles that infest the food products in our homes. These small beetles are typically brought home from the grocery store in dry goods or from a pet store in cat, dog or bird food. Finding small beetles in your cupboards or pantry is a good sign there is infested food nearby. These pests are usually eliminated by removing the infested items and following a strict food storage protocol in the future. Once the infested food has been removed a Community Pest tech can help ensure the beetles are eliminated by treating the infested area.

Carpet beetles are the most common dermestid beetle we encounter in the Ann Arbor area. Along with infesting stored products they often feed on accumulated dust and hair along baseboards, under beds and inside of air ducts. They also commonly feed on animals that have died inside of attics and walls. Some people have an allergic skin reaction to the fine, pointy hairs that are found on carpet beetle larvae skin. These reactions are often confused with bed bug bites!

Larder beetles occasionally infest stored products but most commonly eat dead animals. They will often eat the skin of taxidermied animals which is a major concern in museums. When multiple larder beetles are found in a home we can be sure there is a dead mouse or squirrel somewhere nearby. Our Community Pest experts can help eliminate the beetle issue by solving the problem at its root.

Powderpost beetles are the most common wood destroying beetle in the Ann Arbor area. There are several species of these beetles with the Lyctid variety being the only type that produces the fine white sawdust associated with wood damage. These beetles cause significant structural damage and their tunnels allow moisture and fungus to further penetrate and compromise wood. Powderpost beetles are often an issue when a historic barn or home is being rehabilitated and are occasionally found infesting furniture or hardwood floors that were not properly kiln dried before installation.

Also known as “new house beetles” these tiny brown beetles are often found in newly constructed homes. During the process of building a home the lumber framing is often left exposed to the elements. A layer of mold may grow on the wet wood which is then covered in insulation drywall. Foreign grain beetles find this mold, eat it and reproduce in the walls of the new home. Unfortunately there is no pest control option to eliminate these beetles and it is our recommendation to wait them out. They will eventually run out of food and the issue will resolve on its own. We would be happy to help identify if you have a Foreign grain beetle infestation!