skip to main content

Vermicomposting

black beetles

19 years ago

My worm bins are producing tons of little black beetles. They're about .5cm long and can fly. I didn't have any until I set up the most recent bin. They're only in this new bin. I added scraps to this new bin but forgot to add worms until about a week later. Did the beetles take over this bin because the worms weren't there to compete with them? I know the beetles are beneficial, but they get through my window screens and are a nuisance. How can I reduce their numbers? Thanks.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

sqh1
19 years ago
Do you have images or an ID of what you are asking about?
a1234qwer
Original Author
19 years ago
They look like darkling beetles of the lesser mealworm.
Related Professionals
Middlesboro Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Houston Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Honolulu Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Corpus Christi Landscape Contractors · Lewiston Landscape Contractors · Watertown Landscape Contractors · Akron Landscape Contractors · Allentown Landscape Contractors · Bennington Landscape Contractors · Madison Landscape Contractors · Orange County Landscape Contractors · Evanston Landscape Contractors · Brunswick Stone, Pavers & Concrete · Waterbury Stone, Pavers & Concrete · Madison Stone, Pavers & Concrete
southafricawormo
15 years ago
I have recently acquired some of these beetles as well. They stay confined to the bin but they are definitely reproducing. Do they pose any risk to the worms?

When I first saw them there were about 4 or 5 right on the top of the bin but now they've burrowed down and are clearly enjoying the compost as much as my worms are. I just need to know if they are a risk at all? And, what are they and where do they come from?

Related Stories

EXTERIOR COLOR Exterior Color of the Week: Bewitching Black

By Jennifer Ott Design

Think you’ve got what it takes to pull off this bold, trendy color choice for exteriors?

FLOWERS AND PLANTS Aruncus Dioicus Is a Stately Plant for Shady, Moist Garden Spots

By Pollination Press LLC

Plant goat’s beard in perennial and woodland gardens. Its large white spring blooms attract bees, beetles and butterflies

GARDENING GUIDES Attract Thynnid Wasps With Summer-Flowering Native Plants

By Pollination Press LLC

These beneficial insects will hunt damaging beetle grubs in your lawn

GARDENING GUIDES Southeast Gardener: What to Do in June

By Gardening with Confidence®

Get your snippers out to protect your roses from beetles and harvest lavender from the landscape. It's a glorious month for Southern gardens

LIFE Reluctant DIYer’s Diary of a Dresser Makeover

By Becky Harris

Weekend project: Glossy new black-and-white dresser, hold the sandpaper

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Stachys Officinalis ‘Hummelo’

The adaptable ‘Hummelo’ betony adds jolts of color to a sunny border or woodland edge

FEEL-GOOD HOME Simple Pleasures: Share Supper in the Kitchen

By Laura Gaskill

Gather friends but leave the stress behind with a casual kitchen meal that still feels special

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Plants That Beat Butterfly Bush for the Wildlife Draw

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It's invasive, a nonnative and a poor insect magnet. Check out these better alternatives to butterfly bush in the garden

GARDENING GUIDES Lessons in the Rewards of Selfless Gardening

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Let go of gardening for your own vision and watch the garden’s own true vision come forth

GARDENING GUIDES We Bust 4 More Native Plant Myths

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Have you been taken in by these fallacies about gardening with native plants?

Sponsored