Winning The Battle Against Beetles

National Pest Management Association Offers Tips to Counter Risks Posed by Beetles

This summer has been marked by a dramatic increase in the presence of Japanese beetles across the nation. Although devastating to plants and gardens, the Japanese beetle is rarely more than a nuisance to human beings. However, there are two species, powderpost and merchant grain beetles that emerge in summer and can pose significant threats to health and property.

"Beetles are not commonly considered a threat to one's health or home," said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. "Yet, beetles, such as the powderpost and merchant grain, can cause damage to homes and can contaminate food. Homeowners should take proactive steps to pest-proof their property to keep beetles outside."

A reddish-brown pest, which lays eggs in the cracks of wood, such as baseboards and floors, powderpost beetles can affect a home's structural dependability. Second only to termites in their destruction of wood and rarely observed, powderposts are named for the powder-like dust left behind by their larvae as they tunnel through wood surfaces.

The merchant grain beetle is brown, flat and can fly. These beetles like fat-based products and will readily infest chocolate, cereal, cake mixes and even dried pet food. These pests seek out these foods' packaging as a place to live, eat and reproduce. Often found in pantries and kitchens, merchant grain beetles contaminate food.

NPMA offers these tips to help homeowners prevent merchant grain beetle infestations:

Inspect all susceptible products when you bring them home from the store

Keep all products in sealed plastic tubs when stored in your pantry

Keep an eye on any grain based products when you use them looking for small worm like larvae or even adult beetles. Segregate and destroy any infested product

If you suspect a beetle infestation in your home, call a licensed pest professional to treat the pest problem.

For more information regarding beetles or to find a pest professional in your area, visit: www.pestworld.org.

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property.

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