Long-Horned Beetles
What do long-horned beetles look like?
Long-horned beetles have elongated bodies that are cylindrical, and antennae that are longer than the length of their bodies. Adult long-horned beetles grow to be between 3/8 and 1 inch in length. The cream colored larvae have a worm-like body and grow larger than the adults; 3/8 to 1-1/2 inches in length. Depending on the specific species of long-horned beetle, the larvae may have no legs or short, spiny ones.
Where are long-horned beetles found?
Adult female long-horned beetles lay their eggs in the cracks of wood or bark. The larvae hatch, feed on the wood, move to the surface of the wood, pupate, and emerge from the wood as an adult. When the adults leave the piece of wood that has housed them, they leave behind an exit hole that is about 1/8 to 3/8 of an inch in diameter. The exit hole is a common sign of their presence.
Long-horned beetles invade unseasoned wood, logs, and lumber. Outside, long-horned beetles are helpful because they help to break down decomposing trees, returning nutrients back to the soil. Homes can become infested with these beetles when pieces of infested wood are brought inside. Log homes in Iowa & Illinois can be especially susceptible to long-horned beetle infestations. Adults may also enter homes through open windows and doors, or crevices found in exterior walls.
What do long-horned beetles eat?
Long-horned beetle adults and larvae feed on unseasoned, untreated trees, logs, and lumber.
DIY long-horned beetle prevention and control tips
Long-horned beetle infestations can be difficult to prevent, but there are a few steps you can take to help stop them from invading your home. Only bring in the amount of firewood from outside that you will be burning and leave the rest outside until you are ready for more. It is a good idea to make sure that gaps around windows and doors are caulked, crevices in the exterior of your home are sealed, and doors and windows aren’t left open. The best control for these wood-damaging pests is to contact a professional pest control expert as soon as you notice signs of their presence in your home or commercial building.
Professional long-horned beetle control
Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators offers effective pest services that eliminate long-horned beetles and other wood-destroying pests. Contact us today to discuss your situation and find out how we can help you get rid of long-horned beetles.
