Different Types of Beetles & How to Identify Them

What do mysterious pinholes in wood flooring, furniture, or trim; damaged carpets and fabric; and discolored or foul smelling flour have in common? These can all be signs of a beetle infestation.

Beetles are a slightly less common household pest, but when they are present in your home, they can be harmful, as they can cause significant damage. Find out about the common types you’re likely to see in your home and how to identify beetles so you can catch a problem before it gets out of control.

Beetle Types

While there are thousands of different types of beetles, only a few are likely to cause trouble inside your house:

• Wood-boring beetles – These pests can be found throughout the United States and are a common type that may find their way into a household. This type is noteworthy because of the damage they cause to furniture, structural and decorative wood in and around homes and other buildings. A few species of wood-boring beetle include:  
  • Deathwatch beetle.
  • False powderpost beetle.
  • Powderpost beetle.
• Pantry beetles – These pantry pests are cause for concern because of the damage they cause to stored products and packaged food. They are distributed throughout the United States and are most commonly encountered in warehouses, grocery stores, and home pantries. A few species include:
  • Drugstore and cigarette beetle.
  • Warehouse beetle.
  • Sawtoothed grain beetle and merchant grain beetle.
  • Confused flour beetle and red grain flour beetle.
• Carpet beetles – These pests can be found throughout the United States and are noted for the damage they cause to fabrics and upholstered furniture. Homeowners should be aware of and on the lookout for the following species: 
  • Varied carpet beetle.
  • Furniture carpet beetle.
  • Black carpet beetle.
• Stink beetles – Unlike the brown marmorated stink bug which is found east of the Mississippi River, stink beetles are typically found in the western United States. They are ‘occasional invaders,’ infrequently wandering into homes and buildings during the summer months. Stink beetles are nuisance pests, but do not pose a threat to people or pets.

When it comes to the damage these pests can do within the home, it’s mostly beetle larvae that cause the destruction. Adult beetles that find their way indoors may lay eggs inside of the house or structure. The larvae will then look for food sources and can cause damage to items including clothing, stored foods, furniture, wood, and more.  

Beetle Identification

Beetles are generally identified by their hardened, shell-like bodies which appear to have a line running down their backs. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Despite its appearance, a beetle does not, in fact, have a shell. Two hardened wings create the appearance of a shell and cause a line running down the beetle’s back where the wings meet. 

You may see the damage these pests are causing before you see the insects themselves, so they can be tricky to identify. Below we go over how to identify beetles and also provide pictures of each type: 

• Wood-boring beetles leave behind frass, or the waste they pass, which may look similar to sawdust. They also leave small, round or oval-shaped exit holes where they emerge from wood. This type can range in color anywhere from reddish-brown to black. 
  
  
• Pantry beetles can cause flour to become discolored, and smell funny. They may also be seen in flour, and have a small tubular appearance. Adults are typically a shade of brown ranging from light to dark. 
  
  
• Carpet beetles prefer dark, undisturbed places such as the seams of furniture, or underneath rugs and carpets — this makes it very difficult to spot the beetle, or the damage it is causing. Adults typically have a black or brown base color and may also have markings. 
  
  
• Stink beetles leave an offensive odor on items they come into contact with that may last for weeks. They are darker in color, typically a shade of dark brown or black. 
  
  

Natural Pest Control and Beetle Prevention

The best way to get rid of these common beetles is to prevent an infestation before it begins. Knowing the signs of an infestation, the damage they can cause, and what they are attracted to will make it easier to prevent the problem.

Some tips include:

1. Carefully inspecting new items and their packaging for pests before bringing anything into your home.
2. Storing dry goods and pantry items in airtight containers.
3. Storing pet food in airtight containers.
4. Periodic cleaning and inspection of upholstered furniture.
5. Regular home maintenance to seal potential pest entry points.

For extra protection against beetles and other household pests, a botanical repellent like Stay Away® can be used to create an invisible barrier that beetles and bugs will not cross. The scent of essential oils in Stay Away obscures any appealing aromas of food or scent trails insects may follow into your home without the use of harmful chemicals.

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