Do you ever feel like you’re getting overrun by bugs? If so, you’re not alone.
Beetles have been an issue for many people this year, but why? If you’ve been wondering why the beetle population has been growing and what you can do about it, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll go over what beetles are, why they’re harmful, the common types of beetles, and the best ways to prevent and treat infestations.
So, let’s get started and explore why beetles are so bad this year and what you can do about it.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Beetles are having a particularly bad year due to the warm weather and dry conditions, which create favorable breeding conditions for them.
This has led to an increase in their population, and they can cause damage to crops and trees by eating leaves and stems.
Additionally, some species like the emerald ash borer can spread disease to ash trees, which can kill the trees.
Therefore, it is important to take action to control the beetle population.
What are Beetles?
Beetles are a type of insect that belong to the order Coleoptera, which is the largest order of insects.
They are characterized by their hard exoskeleton, two pairs of wings that are covered in a protective outer layer, and their compound eyes.
Beetles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be found in almost every habitat in the world.
They feed on a variety of food sources, including plant matter, fungi, and other insects.
Beetles play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to break down organic matter and aiding in the pollination of plants.
Unfortunately, some species can be pests, causing significant damage to crops, gardens, and ornamental plants.
Beetles have been around for millions of years, and there are over 350,000 known species of them.
They have evolved to become incredibly resilient creatures, able to survive in a variety of environments and conditions.
This resilience has enabled them to thrive in times of environmental change, which has led to their increase in population this year.
Warmer weather and increased rainfall have provided the perfect conditions for beetles to reproduce and spread, resulting in an increase in infestations in both agricultural and residential areas.
The most common types of beetles that are causing damage this year are the Japanese beetle, the Colorado potato beetle, and the cucumber beetle.
These beetles are voracious eaters, and can quickly devour large amounts of vegetation.
They also reproduce rapidly, which can lead to an exponential increase in their population size.
This can result in significant damage to crops, gardens, and ornamental plants, resulting in financial losses for farmers and homeowners.
How are Beetles Harmful?
Beetles can cause significant damage to crops, gardens, and ornamental plants.
The most common type of beetle found in gardens and yards is the Japanese beetle.
These pests feed on plants by chewing on the leaves, stems, and fruit, leaving behind large, jagged holes.
In addition to damaging plants, the larvae of some beetle species can damage the root systems of plants, leading to decreased yield or even death.
Beetles can also spread diseases, such as bacterial wilt and mosaic virus, which can also cause crop and plant damage.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, beetles can also breed rapidly, leading to large populations of these pests in a short period of time.
Furthermore, unlike other pests, beetles can overwinter, meaning they can survive the cold winter months and continue to wreak havoc in the spring.
Beetles can cause financial losses for farmers and homeowners, as crop yields and the value of plants can be significantly reduced due to beetle damage.
Beetles can also be harmful to humans due to their ability to spread diseases, which can be spread through contact with infested plants or even through the air.
As such, preventing and controlling beetle populations is essential for protecting crops, plants, and human health.
Why is the Beetle Population Growing This Year?
The growth of the beetle population this year can largely be attributed to the warmer weather and increased rainfall that the country has been experiencing.
Warmer temperatures make it easier for beetle larvae to survive and thrive, while increased rainfall helps to keep soil moist, providing the beetles with the ideal conditions to grow and spread.
This combination of favorable conditions has led to a dramatic increase in the number of beetle infestations in crops, gardens, and ornamental plants.
In addition to the environmental factors, other factors may also be contributing to the boom in the beetle population.
For example, the use of certain pesticides, such as neonicotinoids, has been linked to an increase in beetle populations.
Additionally, the increased use of mulch in gardens and other areas can provide the perfect breeding ground for beetles, as the mulch contains organic material that the beetles feed on.
Finally, the removal of natural predators, such as birds, can also create an ideal environment for beetles to thrive.
What are the Most Common Types of Beetles?
Beetles are one of the most common and widespread insect orders in the world, with over 400,000 species identified.
In the US, the most common beetles infesting crops and gardens are the Japanese beetle, the Colorado potato beetle, and the cucumber beetle.
The Japanese beetle is a small, metallic green beetle with bronze wing covers that feeds on a wide variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables.
The Colorado potato beetle is an orange-brown beetle with black spots that feeds on potatoes and other solanaceous crops.
The cucumber beetle is a yellowish-green beetle with three black stripes that feeds on cucumbers, melons, and squash.
Other common beetle pests include the flea beetle, the elm leaf beetle, and the weevil.
All of these beetles can cause significant damage to plants if their populations are not kept under control.
How Can I Tell if I Have Beetles?
If you suspect you have a beetle infestation, it is important to identify the type of beetle you are dealing with.
Different species of beetles have different habits and require different treatments.
Fortunately, it is relatively easy to identify beetles.
Most beetles are dark brown or black, and have six legs and two antennae.
Additionally, some species of beetles may have distinctive markings, such as stripes or spots.
If you suspect you have an infestation, closely examine the insects in question and compare them to images online to help you identify the type of beetle.
How Can I Prevent Beetle Infestations?
When it comes to preventing beetle infestations, the first step is to practice proper garden maintenance.
Keeping your garden free of debris, leaves, and grass clippings can help prevent beetles from taking up residence in your yard.
Additionally, it is important to make sure your soil is well-drained in order to discourage beetle larvae from living in the soil.
Insecticides can also be used to prevent beetle infestations.
There are several different types of insecticides available, including baits, sprays, and granules.
Baits work by attracting beetles and then killing them with a poison.
Sprays and granules are applied directly to plants and work by killing beetles on contact.
Be sure to read the label carefully to make sure you are using the correct product for the type of beetle you are trying to get rid of.
In addition to using insecticides, you can also use cultural controls to prevent beetle infestations.
Planting certain types of plants, such as marigolds and petunias, can help repel beetles.
You can also remove infested plants from your garden and dispose of them in the trash.
As you can see, there are several ways to prevent beetle infestations in your garden.
By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of having an infestation in your yard this year.
What Are Some Effective Treatment Methods for Beetles?
When it comes to controlling beetle populations, there are several approaches that can be taken.
One of the most common methods is to use insecticides, such as neem oil, to reduce the number of adult beetles present.
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that is derived from the neem tree and is safe to use around pets and people.
It is effective at killing adult beetles, but it does not kill eggs or larvae, so it is important to reapply the insecticide regularly to ensure that the beetle population does not rebound.
Another approach to controlling beetle populations is to remove infested plants from the garden or crop.
This can be done manually, or with the help of a vacuum or blower to remove adult beetles and larvae.
Removing infested plants will also help to reduce the amount of food available for the beetles, which can help to keep their numbers under control.
Finally, physical barriers such as netting or row covers can be used to protect plants from beetles.
These barriers can prevent beetles from reaching the plants, while still allowing light and water to reach them.
This method is especially useful for protecting crops, as it allows the plants to grow without being damaged by beetle feeding.
By using a combination of these methods, it is possible to keep beetle populations under control and maintain healthy crops and gardens.
However, it is important to remain vigilant in monitoring beetle populations, as they can quickly grow and spread if left unchecked.
Final Thoughts
Beetles can be a serious problem for homeowners and farmers, causing significant damage to crops, gardens, and ornamental plants.
This year, unusually warm temperatures and increased rainfall have provided an ideal environment for beetle populations to grow and spread.
Knowing the most common types of beetles, how to identify them, and how to prevent them is essential in order to keep them under control.
Insecticides, removing infested plants, and other treatments can all be effective methods of dealing with beetle infestations.
Taking the necessary steps now can help ensure that beetle populations don’t get out of hand this year.