Emerald Ash Borer

In North America the emerald ash borer is an invasive species of beetle, that is highly destructive to ash trees.

This dark metallic green, bullet-shaped beetle was accidentally introduced into the United States and Canada in the 1990s. Since that time, the emerald ash borer has become a major insect control problem in 14 U.S. states, and adjacent parts of Canada.

When the adult emerald ash borer emerges in May to July, the female members of the species lay their eggs in bark crevices, and between layers of bark. When the beetle eggs hatch, in approximately 7 to 10 days, the emerald ash borer larvae will bore into the tree.

Learn more about Emerald Ash Borers.

Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles are very small, round and patterned in mottled, checkerboard, or wavy lines; with black, white, gray, brown, or orange colors. These insects are often found inside homes, living under carpets and rugs, and in crevices; where hair and dead insects have accumulated.

Between late May and early August, mating occurs and the Carpet beetle lays their eggs in air ducts, in closets, under furniture; or under baseboards. Once hatched, the larvae (also known as a woolly bear), will hide in dark, undisturbed areas; and feed on organic material. These small pest invaders cause big insect control problems for homeowners, when they travel from room to room, quickly infesting a home; and causing damage to household items.

Hungry Carpet beetles will feed on a variety of animal and plant products, and cause the most concern for homeowners, when they damage carpets, furniture, clothing and valuable food supplies. Strong indications of a wide-spread pest control problem, include the presence of damaged household items, molted larval skins in dark areas, and an abundance of adult Carpet beetles; near windows.

Read more about the Carpet beetle.

Beetles

Beetles are an order of insects, which contain more species than any other order, in the animal kingdom. The insect order of beetles, contains almost twenty-five percent; of all known life-forms. Some species of Beetles, like the ladybug and Soldier beetle, are widely considered beneficial insects; and are actively encouraged by gardeners.

Beetles enjoy a very wide distribution, and have been known to cause insect control problems in almost all habitats on earth; with the exception of sea and polar regions.

Some species of beetle, such as the Colorado potato beetle, the boll weevil and the Carpet beetle, repeatedly cause pest control problems; when they invade and destroy household items and agricultural crops.

Read more about the beetle.