How to Get Rid of Beetles

Beetles can be a trouble in your home or garden, whether they’re damaging food supplies, furniture, or even wooden structures. Many homeowners try DIY beetle removal methods as a first line of defence. Using natural remedies like essential oils, diatomaceous earth, and bait traps can be effective for small infestations, helping you manage the beetle problem without harsh chemicals. However, for severe beetle infestations, these methods may not fully eliminate the issue, and professional pest control services might be necessary for long-term solutions. Before we find out how to get rid of beetles, let us understand their behaviour.

Understanding Beetles and Their Behavior

Beetles are one of the largest insect orders, with thousands of species worldwide. In North America alone, there are over 25,000 beetle species, each exhibiting different behaviours, life cycles, and preferences for food and shelter. Beetles undergo a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. During the larval stage, many beetles cause the most damage, especially when infesting wood, food products, or fabrics. Different beetles are attracted to different environments. Wood-boring beetles, such as powderpost beetles, attack wooden furniture and structures, leaving behind tiny exit holes and frass (wood shavings). Pantry beetles, including grain beetles and cigarette beetles, infest food storage areas and can contaminate large amounts of stored food. Fabric-damaging beetles, like carpet beetles, consume natural fibers like wool and silk, causing damage to clothing, rugs, and furniture. Recognising the signs of an infestation in the initial stage can save you from extensive damage. Visible adult beetles, tiny exit holes in wood, chewed fabrics, and infested food are all red flags.

DIY Beetle Methods for Homes

Once beetles have entered your home, taking quick action is key to avoiding severe damage. DIY methods for getting rid of beetles vary depending on the type of beetle, but most follow these basic steps. For Pantry Beetles: Start by thoroughly cleaning the pantry and discarding all infested food. Vacuuming shelves and crevices ensures any remaining larvae or beetle eggs are removed. Wiping down surfaces with vinegar acts as a natural deterrent. To prevent re-infestation, store all food in airtight containers and regularly check for signs of beetles. If the infestation is persistent, you may need to consider food-safe insecticides, but always prioritize natural solutions first. For Fabric Beetles: Carpet beetles can be particularly difficult to remove once they’ve established a presence. Vacuuming carpets, rugs, and upholstery is an effective first step, followed by washing infested fabrics in hot water. Essential oils, like lavender and peppermint, are known to repel beetles when sprayed on fabrics. Diatomaceous earth is another great natural option, as it dehydrates and kills beetles and their larvae. For Wood-Boring Beetles: Wood-boring beetles, like powderpost beetles, require more aggressive treatments. Boric acid is an effective DIY beetle control solution. When sprayed onto infested wood, it seeps into the surface, killing larvae and adults over time. For smaller wooden objects, you can use heat treatment by placing them in an oven at low temperatures to kill beetle larvae. After treatment, it’s important to sand and seal the wood to prevent future infestations. Now, let’s explore a few DIY solutions to get rid of beetles naturally. Remember, for severe infestations, don’t hesitate to contact a pest control professional.

Tea Tree Oil Spray

Tea tree oil is a natural insecticide and also a repellent, killing beetles on contact while keeping them away with its strong scent. Ingredients:

• 20 drops of tea tree oil
• 1 cup of water
• Spray bottle

Instructions:

• Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup of water.
• Add 20 drops of tea tree oil to the water and shake well.
• Spray the mixture directly on beetles and around entry points, windows, doors, and baseboards.
• Reapply daily until beetles are no longer visible.

Best Use: This method works well for repelling beetles and killing them on contact, especially in areas where you can directly target the pests. Note: If the infestation persists after repeated use, contact a professional pest control service to handle hidden beetle nests.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder known to kill beetles by damaging their exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die. Ingredients:

• Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE)
• Gloves (optional)
• Dust applicator (optional)

Instructions:

• Clean the area where the beetles are present to expose more surfaces.
• Lightly sprinkle diatomaceous earth in areas where beetles are active, such as baseboards, under furniture, and in cracks.
• Leave the DE in place for several days to a week to allow it to work.
• Vacuum up the DE after a few days, and immediately dispose of the vacuum bag outside.
• Reapply if necessary, especially if beetles are still visible.

Best Use: Effective for long-term management of beetles. Works best when kept dry. Note: For large infestations that aren’t fully resolved with DE, it’s time to contact a pest control service for a thorough inspection and treatment.

Peppermint Oil Spray

Peppermint oil is a strong natural repellent that works to keep beetles out of your home. Ingredients:

• 10 drops of peppermint oil
• 1 cup of water
• Spray bottle

Instructions:

• Add 10 drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle filled with 1 cup of water.
• Shake well to mix the oil and water.
• Spray the mixture around baseboards, windows, door frames, and other areas where beetles are frequently seen.
• Reapply as needed to keep beetles away.

Best Use: Use this spray as a daily treatment to prevent beetles from returning to your home. Note: Persistent beetle infestations may require a professional pest control solution to fully eliminate the problem.

Vinegar Spray

Vinegar is an effective natural cleaner that can kill beetles and disrupt their trails, making it difficult for them to find their way back into your home. Ingredients:

• White vinegar
• Spray bottle

Instructions:

• Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar.
• Spray the vinegar directly on beetles and in areas where they are likely to hide, such as cracks, baseboards, and window frames.
• Repeat this process daily until the infestation is under control.

Best Use: This method is effective for daily use in small infestations. Note: If you’re still seeing beetles after several treatments, contact a professional pest control service for a comprehensive solution.

Baking Soda and Sugar Bait

This bait attracts beetles with sugar and kills them with baking soda, which disrupts their digestive system. Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• 1 tablespoon of sugar

Instructions:

• Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar in a small container.
• Place the mixture in areas where beetles are active, such as near entry points or along baseboards.
• Reapply the bait if needed, especially if the beetles consume it.

Best Use: Ideal for small infestations, this bait works well as part of a larger DIY pest control plan. Note: For larger beetle problems or if this bait isn’t effective, consider reaching out to a professional pest control service.

Lemon Juice Spray

Lemon juice’s high acidity makes it a great natural beetle repellent, and it also destroys the scent trails that beetles use to navigate. Ingredients:

• Juice of 3-4 lemons
• 1 cup of water
• Spray bottle

Instructions:

• Squeeze the juice from 3-4 lemons and mix it with 1 cup of water.
• Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
• Spray around baseboards, window frames, and cracks where beetles are likely to enter.
• Reapply the spray daily or as needed.

Best Use: This solution is best for repelling beetles from returning to your home and destroying their scent trails. For large infestations, this DIY method may not be enough. Contact a professional pest control service for an effective long-term solution.

Beetle Control in the Garden

Beetles such as Japanese beetles and cucumber beetles can wreak havoc on gardens. Knowing how to tackle these pests using DIY beetle control methods will protect your plants from damage. One effective approach is hand-picking the beetles off plants, especially during the early morning when they are less active. Dropping the beetles into soapy water will kill them immediately. Another natural solution is neem oil, which is highly effective in controlling garden pests. Spraying neem oil onto plants interferes with the beetle’s life cycle, preventing them from reproducing. Beetle traps, which use pheromones to lure beetles, are another option, though they can sometimes attract more beetles to the area. For best results, place traps away from your garden to divert beetles away from your plants. Additionally, companion planting can help naturally repel beetles. For instance, plants like garlic, chrysanthemums, and marigolds deter many types of beetles.

Preventing Future Beetle Infestations

Once you’ve managed to eliminate beetles from your home or garden, it’s essential to implement preventive measures to ensure they don’t return. Prevention is often easier and more effective than dealing with a full-blown infestation. Reducing moisture levels in your home is one of the most important steps in preventing wood-destroying beetles. Many beetles thrive in damp environments, so addressing leaks, improving ventilation, and using dehumidifiers in areas like basements and attics can make your home less attractive to them. Sealing cracks around windows, doors, and foundations will also help keep beetles from entering your home. For pantry beetles, proper food storage is crucial. Keep dry goods in sealed containers and regularly inspect food items for any signs of infestation. Clean your pantry regularly to remove any crumbs or food particles that might attract beetles. In the garden, keep plants healthy by pruning regularly and removing dead plant material that can attract beetles. Regularly check your plants for early signs of beetle damage, and use natural repellents like neem oil or essential oils to keep beetles away. Now, we need to understand when there is a need to contact a professional pest control service.

When to Call a Professional

While DIY methods to get rid of beetles can be highly effective for smaller infestations, there are situations where professional help is necessary. Severe infestations, particularly of wood-boring beetles, may require specialized treatments that go beyond typical DIY solutions. Pest control professionals can provide thorough inspections, apply commercial-grade insecticides, and use techniques such as fumigation for more extensive infestations. If you’ve tried multiple DIY beetle control methods and the infestation persists, calling in a professional exterminator is your best option. They can provide tailored solutions to ensure the beetle problem is completely eradicated and won’t return.