Beetles are a big problem across the country, especially in the Midwest. If you’ve got beetles in your home or yard, they can cause lots of issues. Do you want to know how to get rid of beetles? If yes then don’t worry we got you covered with some of the easiest and 100% working hacks to kill the beetles. Our experts at the style of home have shared some home remedies and simple methods to kill house beetles inside and outside the house. Let’s identify the beetles and kill them.
How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles are mostly found in fabrics, carpets, and linens. They lay eggs in dark carpet spots. The tiny eggs hatch and eat away at carpets and furniture. Below are some home remedies, chemicals, and other methods for people who are looking for how to kill carpet beetles.
1. Vacuuming
Vacuuming often is a super effective way to keep carpet beetles away. It is a great way to get rid of carpet beetles. You can use your vacuum to clean all carpets, rugs, and soft furniture, including tricky spots like corners and tight spaces.
2. Steam Cleaning
You can also use a steam cleaner to kill carpet beetles by holding it 6 inches away from the carpet. Move it slowly over the area, allowing the hot steam to penetrate. This will kill the beetles and eggs on contact. Repeat this step as needed to ensure all areas are cleaned.
3. Drying The Fabrics
Heat is a great way to eliminate carpet beetles. Simply put small items like towels and other clothing in the dryer in a high-heat setting. This will kill all the beetles and their eggs.
4. Vinegar
This method is very easy and budget friendly too. Simply mix an equal amount of white vinegar & water. Spray this solution on carpet beetles and eggs to kill them.
5. Airtight Sealed Bags
As we know carpet beetles eat all fabrics, not just carpets. If you want to store loose items like clothes, bedding, and towels, simply use airtight vacuum-sealed bags. This will keep them safe from carpet beetles.
6. Boric Acid
You can use boric acid to get rid of beetles too. Just sprinkle boric acid powder on carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. This will kill carpet beetles and their eggs. Let it sit for a few hours. After that vacuum it up.
7. Pesticides
There are many pesticides available in the market. Some of them are pyrethrin, permethrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, diazinon, carbaryl, bendiocarb, and propoxur sprays. You can use one of them to kill beetles. But before that, test it on a small area.
How To Get Rid of Pantry Beetles
As discussed above, pantry beetles are found in dry goods like grains, spices, nuts, and near food sources. You can find them in packaging, containers, and small crevices. There are some easy methods to get rid of pantry beetles below.
1. Cleaning and Decluttering
First of all, thoroughly remove all items from your pantry shelves and floors. You should discard any infested or expired food, containers, and packaging. This will eliminate the beetles’ food source and habitat. As a result, this will make it harder for them to survive and multiply.
2. Vacuum & Mop
You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining beetles, eggs, and larvae from pantry shelves, floors, and crevices. After that mop the area with a gentle cleaner to remove any remaining debris and dust. This will remove any remaining beetles and prevent them from spreading to other areas.
3. Soap & Vinegar
You can use soap and vinegar solution to wash containers that hold infested food. After that dry the containers to reuse. This removes any remaining beetles, eggs, or larvae. It’s an important step in getting rid of pantry beetles and preventing them from coming back.
4. Seal The Containers
You can store your food by sealing the containers tightly to keep pantry beetles out. Store food and ingredients in airtight containers. You can use lids, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil for this purpose to prevent beetles from getting in.
5. Essential Oils
Essential oils are the best option to eradicate beetles. You can use anyone like peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil to prevent pantry beetles. Simply mix a few drops with water and spray it around the pantry. You can also add it to a cloth and place it near infested areas. These natural oils help keep the beetles away from your food.
6. Pheromone Traps
Pheromone traps are a safe and easy way to catch pantry beetles. They use a special scent that attracts the beetles, like a trap. Once they enter, they get stuck and can’t escape. These traps help you get rid of beetles without using chemicals. Just place the trap in the right spot and wait for the beetles to get caught.
7. Diatomaceous Earth(DE)
DE is another alternative way to kill pantry beetles naturally. It’s a safe, non-toxic powder. It dries out and kills the beetles easily. Just sprinkle it around the affected areas and there will be no more pantry beetles.
8. Insecticides
You can use insecticides to kill pantry beetles. You can spray or place products like Raid, Black Flag, or PyGanic in areas where beetles hide. Please follow the instructions, use in well-ventilated areas, and avoid spraying food or surfaces that touch food. You can also consider natural options like Safer Brand or Eco Defense.
How To Get Rid of Beetles in Outside
Japanese beetles are a big problem for gardens. They eat leaves and leave them bear. This can kill the plants. These beetles like to eat many types of plants grapes, roses, and linden trees. You don’t have to worry if you have them in your backyard or garden. We are sharing some useful techniques to kill these beetles.
1. Hand-Pick Them
Hand-picking is a simple and gentle way to get rid of Japanese beetles. Simply inspect your plants carefully and then pick the beetles off. After that drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them. Repeat this process regularly to keep your plants beetle-free.
2. Using Traps
You can use traps to catch these Japanese beetles too. It’s an easy and effective way to get rid of beetles. These traps have a special scent that attracts the beetles, which then get stuck inside. The traps are usually bags or containers with a sticky surface or a special liquid that kills the beetles. Some traps also use bright colors like yellow or white to lure the beetles in.
3. Plant-Friendly Sprays
Special plant-friendly sprays kill these beetles easily. This method is great for big infestations or when hand-picking isn’t enough. These gentle insecticides, like soap or neem oil, won’t harm most plants or humans. Just spray the beetles or affected plants by following the product’s instructions.
4. Natural Deterrents
People are using natural deterrents like garlic and hot pepper sprays, neem oil, and other non-toxic substances. It’s a safe and environmentally friendly way to control Japanese beetles. They repel the beetles by preventing them from feeding on your plants. They also promote healthy growth of the plants.
5. Peppermint oil
It is a natural way to keep Japanese beetles away. It has a strong smell that confuses them, so they don’t eat your plants. Simply mix a few drops with water and spray it on your plants.
Do this every few days to keep beetles away. Peppermint oil is safe for people, pets, and good bugs. It also leaves a nice minty smell in your garden.
6. Natural Predators
There are some natural ways too if you want to adopt it. Natural insect predators like Ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects naturally prey on Japanese beetles. You can attract them to your garden by planting a variety of flowers, herbs, and veggies.
This creates a balanced ecosystem. It also reduces the need for pesticides. You’ll have a natural defense against Japanese beetles by encouraging good bugs.
7. Worms & Bacteria
You can also use tiny worms (parasitic nematodes) and a special bacteria (milky spore) to kill Japanese beetle larvae in the soil. These natural enemies attack and kill the grubs. This prevents them from growing into adult beetles.
The nematodes and milky spores are safe for people, pets, and other beneficial organisms too. They also provide long-term control of Japanese beetle populations. You can easily reduce the number of Japanese beetles in your garden without using harsh chemicals by applying them to the soil.
8. Insecticides
Insecticides can be an effective way to control Japanese beetles. You can choose from pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and carbamates. But always follow label instructions and safety precautions when using insecticides. You can also rotate insecticide types to prevent the beetles from developing resistance.
Other Natural Ways To Get Rid of Beetles
There are some other natural ways to get rid of beetles including home remedies too. These methods don’t have any reaction to anything.
1. Lavender Oil
It’s a natural and non-toxic way to repel Japanese beetles. Lavender oil keeps Japanese beetles away. Its strong smell confuses them, so they can’t find food or lay eggs. You can use it by mixing it with water and spraying it on plants. This creates a barrier that keeps them away, protecting your garden. Plus, it’s safe and pleasant for humans.
2. Pyrethrin
Pyrethrin is a natural way to kill or keep the beetles away. It comes from special flowers and is safe for people and animals. It works well to control Japanese beetles and other insects too. It breaks down quickly in the environment. It is a good choice for gardeners to get rid of beetles.
3. Row Covers
Row covers are like a protective blanket for your plants. They keep the plants safe from Japanese beetles and other insects. They allow plants to breathe, receive sunlight, and stay warm while preventing insects from reaching them.
This simple and effective solution also helps plants grow by trapping warmth and moisture. This is another reason that makes row covers an excellent choice for gardeners.
4. Companion Planting
Companion planting is a natural way to keep Japanese beetles under control. Some plants, like geraniums and chives, repel beetles. While others, like marigolds and nasturtiums, attract beneficial insects that eat them.
You can create a beetle-free zone in your garden without using harsh chemicals by planting these helpful plants together. It’s like having a natural bodyguard for your plants.
5. Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural way to get rid of beetles. It repels them, prevents them from developing and reproducing, and even kills them. If you want to use it, simply mix it with water and spray it on affected plants, covering all surfaces. Repeat every 7-10 days as needed.
Neem oil is a safe and eco-friendly solution. It also controls other garden pests. This makes it a great remedy to get rid of beetles and other pests.
6. Bait Stations
Bait stations are special containers that hold a yummy treat for beetles. The treat attracts the beetles, and once they go inside, they can’t get out.
This helps reduce the number of beetles and can even help detect if there is a problem. It’s like a trap that uses tasty bait to catch the beetles. It’s often used in places where beetles like to hang out.
How To Keep Beetles Away From Your House and Plants
Now if you have done eliminating beetles, the next important thing to consider is how to keep beetles away from your house and garden. Apart from the above-mentioned tips and methods to get rid of beetles, there are some little but important things to do. This will help you to prevent beetles in your house and outdoors.
1. Remove Attractants
Removing attractants means removing things that attract beetles. You should get rid of ripe or rotting fruit and veggies, sweet drinks, pet food, and compost piles. Also, remove decaying plants and sweet-tasting tree sap.
In this way, you’re making your home and garden less appealing to beetles. It’s like cleaning up a buffet to make it less inviting to unwanted guests.
2. Seal Entry Points
Sealing entry points means closing off any openings around your home where beetles can get in. You should fill in any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and pipes to keep them out. It’s like closing your doors and windows to keep unwanted visitors away. This helps keep beetles away from your plants and home.
3. Protective Boundary
Protective boundaries are the best treatments to keep beetles away from your house. You can put a protective layer around your home or garden to keep beetles out. This can be a special spray, powder, or natural repellent applied around windows, doors, and other entry points.
It’s like setting up a barrier to keep the beetles away. It reduces the risk of beetles getting inside and causing trouble. This helps keep your home and garden safe from beetle infestations.
How Do Experts Get Rid of Beetles?
If you are not able to eliminate beetles from your house and garden, you can call the experts to do this job. They use special tools and products to remove beetles and prevent them from coming back. They know how to identify the type of beetle and how bad the infestation is.
They also teach you how to keep your home or garden beetle-free. They can also help you keep an eye out for any future problems and suggest ways to maintain a beetle-free space. These professionals use the following combination of techniques to get rid of beetles.
1. Inspection & Identification
Their first step is to find the source of the infestation. It means discovering where the beetles are coming from and what they like about your home or garden. It’s a careful look around to figure out how they’re getting in and what’s making them stay. This helps the experts to fix the problem and keep them away for good.
2. Remedies & Treatment
After identifying the source, they use special treatments, and medicines inside as well as outside the house. They also leave traps to catch more beetles. After treatment, it takes some time for the beetles to get sick and die.
3. Follow Up & Blockade
Beetle control takes time. They need to check progress. They might need to come back and check traps. Then, after confirmation, they seal up holes to keep beetles out. This stops them from coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are The Common Signs of a Beetle Infestation?
Common signs include holes in food or fabric, tiny beetles crawling on surfaces, and a sweet or pungent odor.
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Beetles?
It takes time and patience to get rid of beetles. Treatment and monitoring can take several weeks to months.
Can I Get Rid of Beetles on My Own?
Yes, you can try to get rid of beetles on your own using traps, bait, and pesticides. However, if the infestation is severe or persistent, consider hiring a professional.
How Can I Prevent Future Beetle Infestations?
Prevent future infestations by regularly cleaning and decluttering, storing food in sealed containers, and sealing entry points.
What are Some Common Beetle Attractants?
Beetles are attracted to food, moisture, warmth, and darkness. Common attractants include food debris, pet food, and sweet substances.