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Bug control: black beetle infestation

9 years ago

every year I find a few of these little black, beetle looking bugs around the yard, but this year there had been a lot more than any other year. lately every night right after the sun goes down thousands of the bugs start crawling on everything in the yard and it is getting out of hand. what should I do to get rid of the bugs?

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Comments (8)

Marion_ 6b
Original Author
9 years ago
the black specs on the chimney are all bugs
Fori
9 years ago
Wow. That's a lot! Can you grab one and get some close up photos and maybe someone can ID them? Top and bottom, if possible.

Do they seem to be eating anything?
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Marion_ 6b
Original Author
9 years ago
no they don't seem to be eating anything
Marion_ 6b
Original Author
9 years ago
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
9 years ago
None of the pictures are focused, but they look like an ordinary ground beetle. Call your local Extension office to see if black ground beetles are in a population explosion right now.

I've read that these beetles can behave like boxelder bugs at times. They are nocturnal and attracted to lights, and find ways to enter homes.

I would like to see a good, sharp close-up of the top of a beetle, if possible. :-)
Marion_ 6b
Original Author
9 years ago
will these do
Marion_ 6b
Original Author
9 years ago
PRO
User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Yes, the additional pictures revealed spiny legs, a feature of ground beetles rather than darkling beetles. Your beetles are likely Harpalus pensylvanicus - Pennsylvania Dingy Ground Beetle, as they are common, widespread, and look just like yours.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/18851/bgimage

http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/ground-beetles

And a nod to rhizo.

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