Beetle Facts & Identification
Protect Your Property from Beetles
Common Beetles in East Tennessee
Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles are small and oval-shaped. They range in color from black to mottled patterns of white, brown, and yellow. Their larvae, known as “woolly bears,” are covered in bristly hairs and are the primary cause of damage. In Knoxville, these pests are commonly found in homes, hiding in carpets, furniture, closets, and stored fabrics, where they feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, and leather. Carpet beetles can also be found in attics, basements, and air ducts, especially if there are dead insects or animal nests present. Regular cleaning and proper storage of fabrics can help prevent infestations.
Ground Beetles
Ground beetles are fast-moving, nocturnal insects that are typically black or dark brown with elongated, hard-shelled bodies. Some species may have metallic or iridescent colors. In East Tennessee, they are commonly found under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and mulch, as well as in basements or garages. Ground beetles are beneficial insects, as they are natural predators of pests like caterpillars, aphids, and other insects. While they can occasionally wander indoors, they do not damage homes or belongings and are more of a nuisance than a threat.
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are small, metallic green insects with bronze-colored wings and distinctive white tufts of hair along their sides. They are highly destructive pests that feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruit of over 300 plant species, including roses, grapes, and fruit trees. You can often find them in gardens, yards, and agricultural areas, especially in the summer when they emerge in large numbers. Their larvae, known as grubs, live in the soil and feed on grass roots, causing damage to lawns. Controlling Japanese beetles often involves hand-picking, traps, insecticides, or biological treatments like milky spore and nematodes to target grubs.
How Do I Get Rid Of Beetles in My home or business?
Get Rid Of Beetles in Knoxville
Getting rid of beetles in your home or business starts with identifying the type of beetle and eliminating its food source and entry points. Regular cleaning, vacuuming, and sealing cracks around doors, windows, and foundations can help prevent infestations. For carpet beetles, washing infested fabrics, deep-cleaning carpets, and using mothballs or insecticides can be effective. If food-related beetles, like grain beetles or flour beetles, are present, inspect and discard infested dry goods, then store food in airtight containers.
For larger beetle infestations or hard-to-reach areas, professional pest control may be necessary. Insecticides, traps, or natural deterrents like diatomaceous earth can help eliminate active beetles. Outdoor prevention, such as reducing bright exterior lighting at night (which attracts beetles) and maintaining proper landscaping, can also minimize their presence. Consistent monitoring and preventative measures are key to keeping beetles out of homes and businesses. Consider having a pest control professional treat your home for beetles.
When Are Beetles the most active in Knoxville?
Beetle Seasonalities
Beetles in East Tennessee are most active during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall. Many species, such as Japanese beetles and ground beetles, emerge in large numbers during the summer when temperatures are high, making them more noticeable in gardens, lawns, and around outdoor lights at night. Carpet beetles, which infest homes, can be active year-round but tend to be more problematic in the spring and summer when their larvae develop and feed on fabrics or stored goods. As temperatures drop in late fall and winter, most beetle activity decreases, with some species seeking shelter indoors to overwinter.
What attracts beetles to your home?
Beetle food sources
Beetles are attracted to homes for several reasons, including food sources, shelter, and lighting. Different species are drawn to different factors:
- Food sources – Beetles like carpet beetles are attracted to natural fibers such as wool, silk, and leather, while pantry beetles seek out grains, flour, and dried goods. Keeping food sealed and regularly cleaning can help prevent infestations.
- Warmth & shelter – As temperatures drop, some beetles, like ground beetles and ladybugs, look for a warm place to overwinter, often sneaking into homes through small cracks and gaps.
- Moisture – Damp or humid areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms, can attract beetles that thrive in moist environments.
- Exterior lighting – Many beetles, such as Japanese beetles and ground beetles, are drawn to bright lights at night, which can lead them to homes and businesses.
How To Prevent Beetles
Beetle Prevention
Preventing beetles in the future requires a combination of home maintenance, cleanliness, and proactive pest control measures. Here are some key steps:
- Seal entry points – Inspect and seal cracks, gaps, and openings around windows, doors, and foundations to prevent beetles from getting inside. Install weather stripping and use fine mesh screens on vents and windows.
- Reduce food sources – Store pantry items like flour, grains, and pet food in airtight containers. Regularly clean up food crumbs and spills to deter food-seeking beetles.
- Eliminate clutter & fabrics – Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery frequently to remove potential nesting areas for carpet beetles. Store seasonal clothing and fabrics in sealed bins.
- Control moisture – Fix leaks, improve ventilation, and use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces to make the environment less inviting for beetles.
- Manage outdoor lighting – Since many beetles are attracted to bright lights, switch to yellow or LED bug-resistant bulbs and keep unnecessary outdoor lighting to a minimum.
- Maintain landscaping – Keep grass trimmed, remove leaf litter, and store firewood away from the home to reduce hiding spots for beetles.