Beetles are common arthropods found in several habitats, including homes.
These beetles are often unknowingly or accidentally brought in without the homeowner’s knowledge, especially when infested items are indoors. What more?
Your lights may be attracting these beetles indoors.
Here, we discuss varying household beetles commonly found in households. If you’re faced with a beetle problem, any of these will likely be among them.
Not only have we listed the common beetles in households, but we’ve also discussed the typical attractions for these.
About Beetles
Beetles are among the most common types of insects you’ll find and come in varying species.
Each of these has preferred habitats. You’ll find most beetle species with body armor in the form of forewings, which makes them easily recognizable.
There are significant variations in terms of beetle size.
Beetles are easily identified by their three major body segments: the head (usually having a pair of antennae, the thorax, and the abdomen).
In terms of body shape, these vary from elongated to round, cylindrical, domed, or flattened.
Some beetle species are considered beneficial in their actions, including the breakdown of waste, feeding on dead decaying animals, and aerating the ecosystem.
Others are known to cause a wide range of damage to crops, stored food, as well as to timber, etc.
Examples of Household Beetles
Several beetle species are commonly found in homes.
These include the rice weevil, pantry weevil, skin beetle, weevil, confused flour beetle, varied carpet beetle, drugstore beetle, black carpet beetle, furniture beetle, and the elm leaf beetle.
These are only a few of many more beetle species found in homes.
i. Rice Weevil
This product pest is known to infest stored grains, with rice being its primary target.
Adults of this beetle species live between 3 to 6 months. Although rice weevils are commonly found in food processing plants and grain storage facilities, they’re also common in homes.
With origins in India, the rice weevil has successfully spread worldwide. Although they’re called rice weevils, these beetles will readily feed on other grain types.
One clear disadvantage of having rice weevils is grain loss due to their continued feeding action.
ii. Skin Beetle
Another member of the beetle family found in homes is the skin beetle. Do these feed on human skin? Not at all!
Skin beetles feed on various materials, including skin, animal hair, fibers, dead insects, and animals. Skin beetles are among the pests that cause damage to natural fibers in both homes and businesses.
One thing you need to know about skin beetles is that it doesn’t refer to a specific type of beetle but a whole category.
iii. Confused Flour Beetle
These reddish-brown beetle species are among those commonly found in homes. They’re tiny; as the name suggests, you’ll usually find them in flour.
You might wonder why its name includes the word “confused.” There has been a lot of confusion regarding correctly identifying this beetle species.
While confused flour beetles will mostly be found around flour dust, they feed on various food substances, including pasta, pet food, cereals, dried fruits, nuts, and spices.
These will mostly be found in pantries.
iv. Varied Carpet Beetle
This 3mm long beetle species mainly targets carpets, among other areas within homes.
Varied carpet beetles will readily feed on items made of fur, wool, etc. These beetles come in a variety of colors, hence the name. Such may range from black, orange, and speckled white.
Varied carpet beetles target your carpets, upholstery, and clothing. While common in homes, this beetle species will also thrive outdoors.
One of the main reasons they target homes is an abundant supply of larval food that females need to lay eggs.
v. Drugstore Beetle
One beetle species that stands out in terms of what it feeds on is the drugstore beetle. It has a massive appetite for almost anything, hence an anonymous quote that states that drugstore beetles “eat anything but cast iron.”
This beetle species is known by several names. These include biscuit and bread varieties.
As a pantry pest, the drugstore beetle is found in all world regions but tends to be more common around temperate areas. Are you wondering why “drugstore” is included in its name?
This beetle species has earned the notoriety of feeding on prescription drugs.
vi. Black Carpet Beetle
Of all known carpet beetles, the black carpet beetle variety is known to be the most destructive.
This 2 to 3-millimeter-long beetle is oval-shaped and appears in varying colors from black to mixtures of orange, white, yellow, and brown.
vii. Common Furniture Beetle
This is a common household beetle you’ll find in your home. Adult furniture beetles don’t feed on wood but on their larvae. Such larvae are known as woodworms and will cause damage to your wooden furniture.
Items mainly targeted include joists, wood-framed roofs, as well as floorboards.
What Attracts Common Household Beetles?
Household beetles might attract you due to several actions or conditions considered suitable for survival.
These include leaving food products uncovered, poor landscaping decisions, moisture, open trashcans, other bugs, and leaving your lights on.
i. Leaving Food Products Uncovered
So far, we’ve mentioned food products as one of several primary attractions for beetles. Such may include grains and flour, among others.
You’ll need to have these adequately sealed after use.
ii. Open Trashcans
Your open trashcan is an open invitation to household beetles. These pests won’t resist the urge to feast on whatever is inside the can.
iii. Presence of Other Bugs
Certain beetle species are known to prey on a variety of more minor bugs. The presence of these bugs in your home also draws household beetles.
iv. Leaving Lights On
Many beetle species get drawn to well-lit homes, whether it’s indoor or outdoor lighting. You might want to consider making controlled lighting provisions.
These are common household beetles you’re likely to find around your home. We’ve also included information on common attracts that draw them in.
All you have to do to keep them under check is by controlling these conditions.