Ground Beetle

Category:

Actual Size: 1.5 to 25 mm

Characteristics: Flat and elongated body with brown or black coloration.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: 2 pairs, but rarely fly

Habitat: As their name suggests, ground beetles generally live and breed in the soil.

Habits:

  • Easily confused with cockroaches due to their dark and shiny bodies.
  • Have a short lifespan and do not reproduce inside of homes or buildings.
  • Most active at night and are occasionally attracted to bright lights.


Ground Beetles in North Jersey

With over 2,600 species across North America, ground beetles are one of the largest groups of beetles in the United States. Though they resemble a cockroach thanks to their dark, shiny, and nearly iridescent bodies, ground beetles have distinctive hard wing covers that roaches lack. Ground beetles are a common outdoor pest, and they usually only enter homes or buildings by mistake. If they do wind up indoors, they do not reproduce and often die quickly. While it can be creepy to come across one of these shiny beetles, they are harmless to you, your pets, and your property.

Ground Beetle Habitat

As their name suggests, ground beetles love to live in the dirt outside. They often nest beneath objects such as firewood piles, rocks, and other debris. During summer nights in North Jersey, ground beetles may emerge in large numbers and travel toward bright porch and exterior lights. Most ground beetles tend to stay outdoors, but they may crawl through open doorways and windows as they move toward the light. These beetles may not be dangerous to your health or your property, but they can still be a nuisance to come across.

Ground Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Ground beetles do not pose a threat to your home or health, and they are even considered a beneficial insect because they can help control other insect populations by feeding on larvae. However, it’s never pleasant to discover a large hoard of beetles crawling around your property. An infestation can quickly become overwhelming for anybody, but that’s where Eastern Pest Services can help. Our licensed exterminators can help you quickly and efficiently get rid of your ground beetle problem once and for all. Ready to get started? Contact our beetle pest control technicians today.