When it comes to pests, there are dangerous and destructive pests, and then there are nuisance pests. One such nuisance pest that we have to deal with here in Elizabeth City is the ground beetle. Though the ground beetle is beneficial in the wilderness as it helps control other nuisance insect populations by preying upon them, when it comes into our homes, it only serves as a nuisance.
That is why it is important for you to know what you can do to keep the ground beetle out of your home. This includes being able to identify the ground beetle, as well as knowing certain preventative measures to keep your Elizabeth City home safe from this invading pest.
What Do Ground Beetles Look Like?
Ground beetles are usually black in color with metallic red or gold markings. They have elongated, flattened bodies covered in vertical ridges, and grow to be about 1/8th to ½ an inch long. They have six legs and long antennae. Ground beetles have wings with shell-like wing coverings. However, despite having wings, ground beetles are unable to fly. Still, they can move very quickly on their feet.
Are Ground Beetles Dangerous To Humans?
Even though they do feed on other insects, ground beetles do not pose any real threats to humans. They do not sting or bite, and they also do not spread bacteria as many other pests do. Moreover, ground beetles do not pose any threat of damage to our property or plants. The one thing about ground beetles that could be considered displeasing to humans (other than their unwelcomed presence in our homes) is that they can emit a foul-smelling irritant if handled or threatened.
Although ground beetles are considered nuisance pests, that does not mean you want them in your home which is why you should take all the preventative measures at your disposal.
What Attracts Ground Beetles To Homes?
Ground beetles mostly enter homes either while searching for prey or because there are moist areas for them to settle. Because they are active at night, ground beetles are often drawn to the exterior lighting of homes.
Once inside, ground beetles usually are found in basements, crawl spaces, and anywhere that has lots of debris or clutter in which they can hide.
How To Prevent Ground Beetles
When it comes to ground beetle prevention, the primary goal is to remove entrance points through which they might enter your home. In addition to this, it helps to take steps to reduce moisture levels inside your house, as well.
To prevent ground beetles from entering your home, you should:
- Create a stone or gravel barrier between the base of your home and soil.
- Seal any cracks in the foundation of your home with caulk.
- Install weathering strips around windows and doors.
- Install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
- Use dehumidifiers to reduce the moisture levels in your home.
- Fix leaky pipes and fixtures to help reduce moisture levels.
- Remove clutter from basements, crawl spaces, and other storage areas to limit hiding places.
If you are able to accomplish some or all of these preventative measures, you should be able to greatly reduce your odds of having a ground beetle infestation.
For Questions Regarding Ground Beetle Prevention And Treatment
If you are currently dealing with a ground beetle infestation, or if you simply have questions regarding ground beetle prevention, don’t hesitate and contact the trained pest professionals here at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control right away.
Here at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, we have the required expertise and experience to effectively remove any ground beetle infestation with which you are dealing. We will also work with you to take the proper steps to prevent future home pest infestations.
Don’t let ground beetles invade your home. Give us a call today.