Beetles

Deathwatch beetles are small wood-boring insects whose larvae tunnel through timber, causing potentially serious damage to buildings, furniture and wooden structures. The most common and best-known species in the UK is the common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum), often referred to as the deathwatch beetle in everyday language. It mainly attacks older, untreated or poorly protected … Read more

The black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) is a serious pest of ornamental plants, nursery stock, and container-grown plants in the United States. It is especially problematic in gardens, greenhouses, nurseries, and landscaped areas. While adult weevils cause visible leaf damage, the larvae are far more destructive, feeding on roots and often killing plants outright. This … Read more

Ground beetles (family Carabidae) are normally outdoor insects, but they sometimes wander indoors—especially in late summer and fall. While their presence indoors can be unsettling, ground beetles are harmless and do not damage buildings, furniture, or people. However, they may appear in noticeable numbers, which can be a nuisance. What Is a Ground Beetle? Ground … Read more

The wheat weevil (Sitophilus granarius), also known as the granary weevil, is one of the most common and damaging pests of stored grain in the United States. It lives concealed inside whole grain kernels, where both adults and larvae feed and reproduce. Because the insect develops entirely within the grain, infestations can cause serious losses … Read more

The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is one of the most destructive insect pests of potatoes and other plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Native to North America, the species is now widespread across the United States and remains a major challenge for both commercial potato production and home gardens. Because of its high reproductive … Read more

The coffee bean weevil (Araecerus fasciculatus) is a tropical stored-product pest that primarily attacks dried plant materials such as coffee beans, cocoa, nuts, dried fruit, spices, and grain products. Although the species originates from warm climates, it is found worldwide and regularly appears in the United States, most often through imported food products. The coffee … Read more

  Bark beetles (subfamily Scolytinae) are small beetles that live and feed beneath the bark of trees. In the United States, bark beetles are among the most destructive forest insects and are responsible for widespread tree mortality in both natural forests and managed landscapes. Several species are of major concern, including the mountain pine beetle … Read more

The coffee bean weevil (Araecerus fasciculatus) is a tropical stored-product pest that primarily attacks dried plant materials such as coffee beans, cocoa, nuts, dried fruit, spices, and grain products. Although the species originates from warm climates, it is found worldwide and regularly appears in the United States, most often through imported food products. The coffee … Read more

The violet tanbark beetle (Callidium violaceum) is a wood-boring beetle associated with dead or freshly cut conifer wood. While visually striking, it is not a structural pest and does not attack seasoned lumber inside buildings. In the United States, it is occasionally encountered in connection with firewood, sawmills, lumber yards, and outdoor wood storage, especially … Read more

This article provides detailed information about the old house borer (Hylotrupes bajulus)—how to identify it, where it occurs in North America, how to prevent infestations, and how to eliminate it from homes and structures. In North America, this pest is also referred to as the house longhorn beetle, woodboring beetle, or timber beetle, though “old … Read more

This article explains how to identify carpet beetles (Dermestidae), where they are found in North America, how to avoid infestations, and how to control or eliminate them from homes, storage areas, and buildings. In North America, carpet beetles are also known as furniture beetles, wool beetles, or museum beetles, depending on the species and context. … Read more

This article provides clear information about dung beetles (Scarabaeinae) – how to identify them, where they occur in North America, how to prevent their presence, and how to remove or control them in and around agricultural settings, homes, and gardens. In North America, dung beetles are also referred to as manure beetles, scarab beetles, or … Read more

The common pollen beetle (Brassicogethes aeneus), also known as the rape pollen beetle or rape blossom beetle, is a small pest beetle in North America that impacts various plants, particularly oilseed rape (canola) and other members of the Brassica family. The beetle’s presence is often noted in gardens, fields, and woodlands. This article provides a … Read more

The Wharf Borer beetle (Nacerdes melanura) is a wood-boring pest known for causing extensive damage to wooden structures near water in North America. Commonly found in coastal areas and along freshwater sources, this beetle targets damp, decaying wood, posing significant risks to buildings, docks, and wharves. Learn to identify, prevent, and control this pest effectively, … Read more

Confused flour beetles, also known as Tribolium confusum, are a common pest found throughout North America, particularly in cooler regions. These beetles infest stored flour, grains, and other food products, posing a significant problem for households, food storage facilities, and grocery stores. This article provides information on how to identify, locate, and effectively control confused … Read more

Strawberry blossom weevil, Anthonomus rubi, is an invasive pest affecting a range of plants in North America. This weevil, known for causing significant damage to strawberry and raspberry crops, is primarily found in British Columbia, Canada, where it has become established. Here’s how to identify, prevent, and manage this pest to protect your plants. What … Read more

The raspberry beetle, also known as the raspberry fruitworm beetle, is a small, damaging pest commonly found on raspberry and other related fruit plants. It’s known for causing significant harm to raspberry and blackberry crops by feeding on leaves, flowers, and developing fruit. This article provides an overview of how to identify the raspberry beetle, … Read more

The drugstore beetle (Stegobium paniceum), also known as the bread beetle or biscuit beetle, is a small, notorious pest found throughout North America that targets stored foods, dry goods, and various organic materials. This guide provides insights on identifying drugstore beetles, understanding where they are commonly found, and offers strategies for preventing and controlling infestations. … Read more

The harlequin ladybird, also known as the harlequin lady beetle, harlequin ladybug, Asian lady beetle, Asian ladybug, and Halloween beetle (Harmonia axyridis), is an invasive species in North America. Originally introduced to the continent as a biological control for aphids, the species has now become a common household and garden pest. This article looks into … Read more