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	Beetles

• Carpet Beetles

• Ladybugs
   

Carpet Beetles
by Dennis M. Ferraro Extension Educator Douglas/Sarpy Extension Unit

There are four types of these beetles found in this area. Most are less than 1/4 inch in diameter and look like small, black half circles. A few have cream-or rust-colored blotches. The beetle stage, however, is seen less frequently than the immature worm stage of the insect. The worm is cream colored with dark rings, and about 1/8 inch long. It is carrot shaped and has many hairs growing from the end of the body. These insects feed only on proteins, so the only carpet they damage is natural wool. They also feed on protein stains on fabrics, pet hairs, insect carcasses and foodstuffs. Because of the carpet beetle's varied diet, nearly every home -- new or old -- has them living in the walls. There they feed on dead insects. They aren't a significant problem unless they damage wool items, such as carpets and clothing. If this happens, infestations can be controlled by using common household insecticides. by placing a thin band of insecticide along all baseboards, including the insides of closets, followed by an insecticidal fog, moderate control of carpet beetles can be obtained. It's nearly impossible to completely eliminate them from a house.

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Ladybird Beetles (Ladybugs)
by Dennis Ferraro Extension Educator Douglas/Sarpy Extension Unit

 Several of the common species of lady beetles (ladybugs, if you prefer) found in Nebraska will wander indoors during the fall. However, this is a distinctive and annoying trait of the Asian Lady beetle, a relatively new species imported to the United States from eastern Asia. The "multicolored Asian lady beetle" has become common in many areas of the eastern United States and Nebraska. This ladybug is used as natural control and therefore a beneficial inhabitant of the landscape. They can also be a serious household pest in those areas where they have become well established and abundant. Asian lady beetles, like boxelder bugs, pine seed bugs and elm leaf beetles, are accidental invaders: that is, "outdoor" insects that create a nuisance by wandering indoors during a limited portion of their life cycle. Accidental invaders do not feed or reproduce indoors. They cannot attack the house structure, furniture, or fabric. They cannot sting or carry disease. Lady beetles do not feed on people through they infrequently pinch exposed skin. Lady beetles may leave a slimy smear and they have a distinct odor when squashed. As with other accidental invaders, the most effective management option is to prevent invasion by sealing cracks, gaps and openings on the outside before the beetles wander in during late summer. Application of synthetic pyrethroid insecticides such as permethrin to the outside of the buildings may prevent pest entry. Treatment must be applied before the beetles begin to enter buildings to be effective (mid- to late October). Homeowner insecticides other than permethrin usually do not provide satisfactory prevention.

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