Beetle Pests in the Home

ENTFACT-653: Old House Borer  |  Download PDF

ENTFACT-626: Firewood Insects  |  Download PDF

by Lee Townsend, Extension Entomologist
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture 

Many people use a fireplace to supplement their heat supply or just for enjoyment. Insects and other arthropods that are brought into the home on or in firewood may cause alarm but most are of no consequence. Firewood insects usually belong to one of two groups:

ENTFACT-707: Soldier Beetles  |  Download PDF

by Stephanie Bailey, Extension Specialist
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture 

Soldier beetles are very common insects that resemble lightning bugs but do not have light-producing organs. They also may be confused with blister beetles which can be serious pests in forage crops and vegetables. But blister beetles have a square-shaped head and a very visible "neck" due to the narrow thorax relative to the head and abdomen. 

ENTFACT-616: Powderpost Beetles  |  Download PDF

ENTFACT-612: Stored Product Pests in the Pantry  |  Download PDF  |  En Español

ENTFACT-610: Foreign Grain Beetle  |  Download PDF

ENTFACT-601: Carpet Beetles   |  Download PDF

ENTFACT-416: Asian Lady Beetle Infestation of Structures  |  Download PDF

by Michael F. Potter, Ric Bessin, and Lee Townsend, Extension Entomologists
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture 

Large numbers of lady beetles (ladybugs) infesting homes and buildings in the United States were first reported in the early 1990s. Ladybugs normally are considered beneficial since they live outdoors and feed on plant pests.