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Residences, Structures and Communities |
I have received reports of small (about 1/5 inch) dark-colored beetles being found around doorways and entering homes. The concern was mostly that these were some type of wood-boring beetle but as it turns out they are scarab beetles in the genus Ataenius. There are 65 species of Ataenius beetles found in the U.S. and Canada. There are fewer species found in North Carolina, somewhere in the range of twenty to right many. The black turfgrass, Ataenius spretulus is probably the most noteworthy as pest on golf courses, particularly in bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and a few others. In general, most of the species we find here probably feed on dung. So, they're quite at home where the buffalo (and cows) roam, but likely find more mundane manure sources, along with leaf litter, etc. in our more urban landscapes. The common thread is that the adults are in the late afternoons and evenings and are attracted to lights which is the reason why they are often drawn to houses. In general, pesticides are not likely to have much impact on the beetle activity. Sucking them up in the vacuum should be adequate. However, if people need to satisfy that never-ending urge to spray a pesticide, any of the common household products will produce equally mediocre results when applied around windows and doors. This invasive activity should stop within about a week or so depending on the weather (that qualifier we use whenever we really have no idea when it will stop).
Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Last modified on August 15, 2005 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.