Beetle Control in Houston, TX
Reliable Beetle Treatment for Homes in Houston
The Most Common Beetles Found Around Houston
Why Beetle Problems Get Worse If You Ignore Them
Beetles might not seem as dramatic as fire ants or as nightmare-inducing as roaches, but make no mistake — Houston has some beetles that can do real damage. From carpet beetles quietly chewing your clothes to wood-boring beetles tunneling through your home’s structure, these insects deserve a spot on the “call-a-professional” list. Here is your expert guide to the most common beetles in the Greater Houston area.
Most Common Beetles
Carpet Beetles
Because the tiny striped ones are always the troublemakers.
Why You See Them
Carpet beetle larvae (not the adults) are the culprits. They thrive in warm climates, and Houston’s humidity gives them the moisture they need to grow quickly.
The Problem
Larvae eat wool, leather, silk, cashmere, and even pet hair.
Ruin clothing, upholstery, and carpets.
Often misdiagnosed as “bed bug bites” due to skin reactions to their shed hairs.
Fun (or horrifying) stat
They thrive in our humidity, making your home a never-ending buffet.
Pantry Beetles
Because nothing says “good morning” like a beetle in your cereal.
Why You See Them
Includes Flour Beetles, Grain Beetles, and Cigarette Beetles. You usually find them after a food package has been open for a while or after they’ve infested a pantry shelf.
The Problem
Contaminate food quickly (rice, cereal, flour, pasta).
Eggs, larvae, and adults all mix into dry goods.
Hard to detect until infestation is severe.
Fun (or horrifying) stat
Includes Flour Beetles, Grain Beetles, Cigarette Beetles, and Drugstore Beetles.
Wood-Boring Beetles
Nature’s tiny demolition crew.
Why You See Them
Similar to termites, they attack wood. Larvae tunnel inside wood pores for months or even years before emerging.
The Problem
Larvae tunnel for months/years, weakening structure.
Leave fine powdery dust (frass) and pinholes.
Can cause damage similar to termites if untreated.
Fun (or horrifying) stat
You may not notice damage until it’s extensive, often finding crumbling boards or pinholes.
Click Beetles
Jumping beans with trust issues.
Why You See Them
They make a loud “click” and flip themselves in the air when threatened. They often get into homes by accident.
The Problem
Startling (loud clicking and jumping).
Nuisance inside homes.
Completely harmless otherwise.
Fun (or horrifying) stat
They don’t bite or sting — they just want to give you a jump scare.
Dung Beetles
Good for the soil, bad for the patio.
Why You See Them
Common near farmland. They break down manure and reduce fly populations, but lights and moisture can attract them to homes.
The Problem
Attracted to lights and moisture.
Can become a nuisance around yards.
Generally beneficial for the ecosystem.
Fun (or horrifying) stat
They recycle nutrients and reduce fly populations by breaking down waste.
Ground Beetles
Fast, shiny, and always on the go.
Why You See Them
Houston’s damp soil and warm temperatures make it easy for them to thrive. They eat other pests like caterpillars and roaches.
The Problem
Wander into homes accidentally.
Fast-moving and startling.
Mainly a nuisance.
Fun (or horrifying) stat
Actually helpful! They eat other pests like aphids and even roaches.
Asian Lady Beetles
Not your sweet childhood ladybug — these bite.
Why You See Them
They invade homes in large numbers on warm fall days, entering through tiny cracks. Unlike regular ladybugs, they can be aggressive.
The Problem
Invade homes in large swarms.
Bite humans.
Leave yellow stains and foul odor when crushed.
Fun (or horrifying) stat
They swarm on warm fall days and stick around during Houston's mild winters.
June Beetles
.
The clumsy nighttime fliers that ping off porch lights.
Why You See Them
Moist soil and warm temps create perfect breeding conditions. Adults fly toward light, while larvae (white grubs) eat grass roots.
The Problem
Adults fly into homes and ping off lights.
Larvae damage lawns by eating roots.
Attract skunks and armadillos that dig up yards to eat them.
Fun (or horrifying) stat
Houston lawns + June beetles = annual turf war.
Why Beetles Need Professional Treatment
While not all are dangerous, specific beetles can cause expensive damage to your home and belongings.
Material Destruction
Wood-boring beetles weaken structural lumber.
Carpet beetles destroy expensive wool, silk, and leather.
June beetle larvae destroy lawns.
Contamination & Health
Pantry beetles contaminate food sources rapidly.
Asian lady beetles bite and cause allergic reactions.
Carpet beetle hairs cause skin dermatitis.
Rapid Escalation
Houston’s climate accelerates breeding cycles.
Pantry pests lay eggs in food that you might eat.
Misidentification leads to ineffective DIY treatments.
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