Have you ever heard a clicking sound coming from your house and wondered what it was? Chances are, it was a click beetle. Click beetles, also known as skipjacks, are a type of beetle that makes a clicking noise when they are disturbed. They are found in many places around the world and can sometimes find their way into our homes. If you have a click beetle in your house, you may be wondering how to get rid of them naturally. This blog will discuss the natural ways to get rid of click beetles in your house.
What is Click Beetles?
- Click beetles, sometimes called skipjacks, snapping beetles, or spring beetles, are a type of beetle belonging to the Elateridae family. They get their name from the clicking noise they make when they flip themselves into the air in an effort to escape from predators. Click beetles are usually between 0.25 and 1.25 inches long, dark brown or black in color, and have either a glossy or dull exterior. While they can be found in gardens and wooded areas, beetles can become household pests if they find their way indoors.
- Click beetle larvae, or wireworms, are even more of a nuisance than adult beetles. They are small, hard-bodied worms that can measure up to an inch long and can live up to 3 years before they reach adulthood. They feed on the roots of plants, grass, and decaying wood and plant material, making them difficult pests to get rid of.
Signs of Infestation
- If you think you may have a click-beetle infestation in your home, there are some signs that you can look out for. beetles will often congregate around lights, attracted to the light, so they can be found in and around lamps and windows. If you happen to see one or more of these beetles in or around your house, then chances are you have an infestation.
- You may also find damaged materials such as wood in your home that have been chewed on by beetles. This is a sign that you have a large number of them present in your home, as they feed on wood and other organic materials. You might also find their fecal matter on furniture, carpets, and walls, which is another indication of their presence.
It is important to address a click-beetle infestation as soon as possible, as the insects can cause significant damage to your home if left untreated.
Getting Rid of Click Beetles
- If you’ve noticed signs of a click-beetle infestation in your home, you will want to take the necessary steps to get rid of them. The good news is that there are several natural methods of eliminating beetles from your house that are relatively easy and inexpensive.
- First, you should vacuum all areas of the home that have been affected by click beetles. Vacuuming regularly can help to reduce the number of adults and larvae in the home. If you notice any click-beetle larvae, be sure to empty your vacuum bag or container outside away from your house.
- The next step is to use natural insecticides or sprays to treat areas of your home where beetles have been seen. Natural insecticides contain ingredients such as neem oil, peppermint oil, and eugenol which are safe for humans but effective at killing insects like beetles. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label when using any insecticide or spray.
- You can also try baiting or trapping the click beetles with food. Place food items such as sugar, honey, or syrup on small pieces of cardboard or paper in areas of your home where you’ve seen beetles. The beetles will be attracted to the sweet smell and be drawn to the bait, where they can then be removed from your home.
Prevention Tips
- One of the best ways to keep click beetles out of your house is by maintaining a clean and tidy home. Beetles are attracted to light and easily enter homes through open doors or windows. Make sure to keep all doors and windows shut and properly sealed. Additionally, keep windows and door screens free of holes.
- Regularly inspecting the exterior of your home is also an effective prevention measure. Check for cracks, gaps, and holes around doors and windows, as well as any other openings that may provide entryways for the beetles. Make sure to seal any holes you find with caulk or weather stripping.
- Another effective way to prevent click-beetle infestation is by keeping your yard free of debris and weeds. A clean yard discourages beetles from taking up residence in your home. Regularly trim bushes and trees away from the house and eliminate standing water or other moist areas. Additionally, store woodpiles and compost piles away from your house and make sure they stay dry.
