Learn about Beetles | PestWorld for Kids

...is for Beetles

Beetles are common pests that can be found in a variety of locations. They can be separated into various groups according to their characteristics. Soldier beetles can often be found in homes and cannot hurt humans. There are 12,000 different kinds of ground beetles in the United States. These beetles like to live outside and dine on other insects. Aquatic beetles make their homes around water sources. These beetles have wings and can fly but have trouble landing and walking, as their bodies are better adapted to a watery home.

Varied Carpet Beetles

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Varied carpet beetles get their name from the rainbow of color on their back surfaces. These pests enjoy dining on carpets, woolen fabrics, dead insects, furs, hides, feathers, horns, hair, silk and bones. It can take 249-354 days to three years for varied carpet beetles to grow from an egg to an adult. Adult beetles live between 13 and 44 days.

Powder Post Beetles

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These reddish-brown beetles are found all over the world with 11 species found in the United States. They have long, narrow, flat bodies that allow them to easily attack wood surfaces. Powderpost beetles lay their eggs in cracks of wood and the larvae tunnel into the surface filling it with a very fine powder-like dust. Adult beetles are very active at night, enjoy flying and are attracted to the light.

Merchant Grain Beetles

Merchant grain beetles are dark brown and have six saw-like teeth on each side of their bodies. These beetles can grow to be one-eighth of an inch long and have extremely flat bodies. This body shape allows them to crawl into packaging to eat, live and have babies. They are typically not found in grain products, but instead like to attack cereals, cake mixes, macaroni and cookies. This pest can be found worldwide and can live in cooler climates.



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