Have you noticed black bugs scurrying off to destinations unknown when you turn on the lights to your front porch? Worse yet, are you seeing those same little black bugs dart off when you enter your pantry? You could be playing host to ground beetles. These invasive little bugs enter homes in search of food and shelter.
If you want to know how to get rid of ground beetles in Bartlesville, OK, keep reading!
What is a ground beetle?
The first few times you spot ground beetles, you’d be forgiven for thinking that your home has a problem with cockroaches. Ground beetles are roughly the same size as a North American cockroach. Roaches range in size from a quarter of an inch to two inches, while ground beetles top out at around one and a half inches.
Both insects also have similar body structures, and both have a dark-brown to black body color.
It could be worse
Though an infestation of either roaches or ground beetles is never a good thing, ground beetles may be the lesser of the two evils. Where cockroaches bite, ground beetles are incapable of doing so. Roaches carry virulent diseases like salmonella, as well. That’s not the case with ground beetles.
Finally—and perhaps most relevant to homeowners—whereas roaches will set up shop in your house, ground beetles don’t often last long indoors because they’re not equipped to survive.
That said, no one likes the thought of invading insects roaming through their home at all hours. So, here’s how to get rid of ground beetles in Bartlesville, OK.
The problem is likely outdoors
While a lot of invasive species are able, or even likely, to set up a colony indoors, ground beetles absolutely love being outside. If it’s damp and chilly, the conditions are ideal for ground beetles. That’s why their favorite place to nest is outside, in rotting wood or underneath a rock. To begin your eradication, remove any wood or yard debris that could be sheltering beetles.
Get yourself a predator
If you’re worried about a growing number of ground beetles, you can try to introduce an animal that preys on these insects. You could start using bird seed to attract species of birds that also eat ground beetles. If you’re feeling crafty, you could even go the extra mile to try and attract your very own toad by building a home for it on your property.
Let us take the next steps for you
If you need help getting rid of ground beetles in Bartlesville, OK, call on Excellence Pest Control. We have years of experience helping our friends and clients throughout Oklahoma and Kansas rid their homes of unwanted pests.
We’re ready and waiting to take on a massive array of invasive species, including termites, bed bugs, rats, mice, ants and, yes, even beetles. If it’s making your home feel unsafe or less hygienic, we can help—guaranteed. Pick up the phone and give us a call to schedule an estimate today. We can’t wait to hear from you.