Beetles at Home: How to Identify Them?

Little beetles living in your house ? Or at least that's what they look like to you ? Of all the families of insects found all over the world, beetles are among the most numerous. Depending on the species, their precise characteristics may then vary a lot. Fortunately, common features can be identified in order to help you recognize beetles at home. 

5 Common Characteristics To All Types Of Beetles

You spotted an insect inside your home and want to know if it might be a type of beetle ? Here are the 5 main characteristics to help you identify them.

1. Presence Of Elytra

Looking like some kind of carapace, elytra actually form the rigid portion protecting the wings of beetles. They therefore constitute one of their most distinctive features.

2. Noticeable Line On Their Back

On the back of these insects, right in the middle of the two elytra, the gap creates a line that can generally be spotted at first glance. Slightly depressed, this longitudinal straight line is another feature to look out for when trying to identify a beetle.

3. Rigid Exoskeleton

Unlike some other types of insect, beetles feature a rigid exoskeleton. This translates into a robust, predominant body, leaving the impression that they are protected under a protective armor.

4. Powerful Mandibles

The jaws of these insects, also known as mandibles, are known to be tough and strong. Indeed, they can be seen with the naked eye for most adult beetles. But you must know that even the larvae of beetles have strong mandibles, capable of causing damage to their environment in some cases.

5. Variable Sizes and Shapes 

Although many beetle species can be distinguished by their impressive size, as in the case of the Royal Goliath beetle, which reaches over 10 cm, this characteristic is also extremely variable. In fact, some species are actually very small, measuring less than 1 mm.

Main beetle species encountered at home

Although hundreds of thousands of species can be found, just a few are commonly found in Canadian homes. Here is a brief overview about them :

• Ladybugs : Also known as asian lady beetles, these small insects appear mainly during humid autumn months, and can quickly become invasive.
• Spider beetles : Sometimes confused with spiders, this species prefers closed, damp areas such as attics or basements for example.
• Saw-toothed grain beetles : Mostly found in kitchens or storage areas containing dry foods such as cereals or domestic pet food.

Noticing some insects that match these criteria in your residence or business ? To avoid an infestation of beetles at home, the best solution is to make sure to quickly contact pest control specialists to ensure an effective, long-lasting solution that respects environmental standards.