Ground Beetle

Category:

Actual Size: 1/4″ to 2″ long.

Characteristics: Variety of colors, but typically brown or black.

Habits:

  • Found in moist environments such as mulch, woodpiles, stones.
  • Ground beetles are attracted to light and feed on pest insects.
  • They do not survive long if they find themselves indoors.

Ground Beetles in Albuquerque NM

Ground beetles are most commonly black but have metallic or iridescent undertones. They have three pairs of legs, two pairs of wings, and prominent mandibles. With more than 2,600 species around the world, these beetles are typically found in or on the surface of a soil-covered ground. Some species are known to help control the spreading of weeds, making them seen as a beneficial insect. However, they can also overrun a building or feed on important crop seeds, such as corn.

Ground Beetle Behaviors

Just as their name implies, ground beetles live out their lives in soil. Outdoors, they are typically found under stacks of wood or logs, in leaves, or under other yard debris. If they make their way inside, they often seek refuge in damp, dark areas such as the basement or in crawl spaces. These nocturnal beetles feed on ants, caterpillars, maggots, slugs, and worms.

Ground Beetle Prevention and Control

Although ground beetles are typically harmless to humans and do not pose any serious threats, they can still cause problems. Ground beetle infestations inside a home or commercial building can be overwhelming for any property owner. Although certain species have been known to release odorous secretions when threatened, none will bite or attack humans.

Preventing ground beetles entails much of the same measures as preventing all types of pests from getting into your home, including sealing cracks or crevices in the foundation of your home. Other tips include keeping mulch away from the foundation and maintaining a tidy yard free of debris or waste.