How to identify and get rid of darkling beetles

Was that a cockroach that scurried by? Nope, that was a darkling beetle, an overlooked household pest that most people don't expect! Darkling beetles aren't always a nuisance in homes, but if you have a messy pantry or pet food that's available, these little guys might just make themselves at home.

Darkling beetles belong to the Tenebrionid family of beetles, and their larvae are referred to as mealworms. Mealworms are often used as feed for pet reptiles or rodents. The adults look like your standard black beetle, as they don't have any striking colors or features.

Since there are over 20,000 species of darkling beetles, it can be difficult to pinpoint certain characteristics and behaviors. They live in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from deserts to forests. They usually feed on living plants or decaying plant matter. Their larvae live in rotten wood, leaf litter, poultry litter, manure, or in the soil.

Sometimes, they wander into your home, looking for shelter, food, or organic matter that has collected around your home.

Darkling beetles can be identified by their dull, black, or brown bodies that are oval in shape and smooth to the touch. These beetles are flightless, which makes them more common on the ground level of homes or in gardens.

If you look closely enough, you'll notice that their antennae have 11 segments, and their eyes have a notch in them.

Signs of an infestation include the presence of these beetles in large numbers inside pantries, basements, or near pet food storage areas. Homeowners might also notice larvae, which are mealworms, in similar locations.

How big are darkling beetles?

Darkling beetles typically range from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches in length.

What other pests look like darkling beetles?

Sometimes mealworms can be mistaken for darkling beetles.

They are found throughout the United States, thriving in both rural and urban settings. Look for them in dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, sheds, under rocks, and inside or around pet food storage areas.

Darkling beetles don't usually pose a problem unless you have the right conditions for them to thrive. Consider these tips to prevent them from coming inside your home:

• Maintain cleanliness, especially in storage areas and where pet foods are kept.
• Use airtight containers to store grains and pet food to deter beetle infestations.
• Regularly clean and vacuum potential hiding and breeding spots.
• Use sticky traps to monitor and reduce their numbers.

Additionally, you can use an insect barrier spray, like Pestie's DIY solution, to repel ground beetles from coming too close to your home. Pestie offers pro-grade ingredients that are delivered straight to your door.