Beetle Infestation And Treatment

What is a Beetle Infestation?

A beetle infestation occurs when a large number of beetles invade your home, causing an imbalance in the natural ecosystem and creating various problems for homeowners. Beetles are insects belonging to the order Coleoptera, which is the largest order of insects, with more than 350,000 known species.

Image of a beetle

No one wants beetles infesting their home or trees

While some beetles are harmless and even beneficial, others can cause significant damage to your property and belongings. Identifying and addressing a beetle infestation early on is crucial to protecting your home in the San Jose CA area and maintaining a healthy living environment.

Problems That a Beetle Infestation Can Cause for Homeowners

A beetle infestation can lead to several problems for homeowners, including:

  • Structural Damage - Some beetles, such as wood-boring beetles, can cause severe damage to wooden structures in your home, including furniture, flooring, and walls.
  • Damage to Personal Belongings - Carpet beetles can damage clothing, upholstery, and other fabric items by feeding on the fibers.
  • Contamination of Food - Beetles such as pantry pests can infest and contaminate stored food products, leading to potential health risks.
  • Allergic Reactions - The presence of beetles can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, causing respiratory issues and skin irritation.
  • Tree Damage - Beetles can cause significant damage to trees in a homeowner's yard by boring into the bark, disrupting the flow of nutrients and water, leading to weakened branches, stunted growth, and even the death of the tree if left untreated.
Image of a beetle

It's best to get rid of beetles as soon as you see evidence of an infestation.

How to Spot a Beetle Infestation

To identify a beetle infestation in your home, look out for the following signs:

  • Visible Beetles - Seeing several or even a large number of beetles, either dead or alive, in your home is an obvious indication of an infestation.
  • Damaged Materials - Look for damage to wooden structures, fabric items, or stored food products that may indicate the presence of beetles.
  • Beetle Larvae - Finding beetle larvae, which often resemble small worms, is a sign of an infestation.
  • Frass (Insect Waste) - The presence of frass, a powdery substance produced by beetles as they consume materials, can signal an infestation.
  • Damage to Trees - Look for evidence of beetle damage on the trees in your yard.  The first signs of a beetle attack on a tree include sawdust at its base or in bark crevices from beetles drilling into it, small popcorn-like masses of sap (called "pitch tube") and tiny boring holes where the beetles have entered.
Image of a Japanese beetle

This is a Japanese Beetle

How to Treat a Beetle Infestation

While hiring a professional exterminator is often the best course of action, there are some DIY treatment options you can try to manage a beetle infestation:

DIY Treatment for Beetles

  • Vacuum Regularly - Vacuuming your home thoroughly and frequently can help remove beetles, their larvae, and their eggs from carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces.
  • Use Traps - Pheromone-based beetle traps can help capture adult beetles and reduce their numbers.
  • Apply Insecticides - Use store-bought insecticides to target specific beetle species, but always follow the manufacturer's instructions and precautions to ensure safety.
  • Clean and Store Food Properly - Keep your pantry clean, and store food in sealed, airtight containers to deter beetles from infesting your supplies.
Image of a beetle

No matter what shape or color, beetles are an unwelcomed visitor.

Why Hire a Professional Beetle Exterminator

Even though there are several you can take in order to eliminate a beetle infestation, the most effective solution is to hire a professional beetle exterminator. Van Hooser Enterprises has been a reliable pest control company in the greater San Jose area since the 1940s.

Here are some reasons why it's a good idea to hire a professional:

  • Knowledge and Experience - Professional exterminators possess the expertise to identify the specific beetle species causing the infestation and recommend the most effective treatment methods.
  • Safe and Effective Solutions - Professionals use specialized equipment and chemicals to safely and effectively eliminate beetles, minimizing the risk to your family and pets.
  • Long-Term Solutions - A professional exterminator can provide long-lasting solutions to prevent future infestations, saving you time, money, and stress.

The Best Way to Treat a Beetle Infestation

Beetle infestations can be a nuisance for homeowners in San Jose, CA, and the surrounding area. It's essential to address the problem quickly to minimize damage and prevent the infestation from worsening.


The best way to do this is by hiring a professional exterminator, like Van Hooser Enterprises.

Van Hooser Enterprises is experienced in dealing with all types of pest infestations, including beetles. 


We can provide the best advice and solutions tailored to your specific pest problem, ensuring that your home is safe, clean, and free of unwanted insects.

image of eric van hooser rat exterminator

Eric Van Hooser (Head beetle exterminator at Van Hooser Enterprises pest control company in San Jose CA)

What to Do Now

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FAQs about Beetle Infestation and Treatment

Q: What are the signs of a beetle infestation in my home?

A: Signs of a beetle infestation include seeing adult beetles or larvae, damaged fabric or wood, holes in textiles or wooden structures, and frass (beetle droppings). The type of damage or presence of beetles will depend on the specific species.

Q: How do beetles enter my home, and what attracts them?

A: Beetles can enter your home through open doors, windows, cracks, or crevices, or by hitchhiking on items brought inside. Different species of beetles are attracted to different things, such as food, wood, or fabric, depending on their life stage and feeding habits.

Q: How can I prevent beetle infestations in my home?

A: To prevent beetle infestations, seal any cracks and crevices around your home, store food in airtight containers, maintain proper sanitation and cleanliness, vacuum regularly, store firewood away from your home, and inspect items for beetle presence before bringing them indoors.

Q: What are the most effective methods for treating a beetle infestation?

A: The most effective methods for treating a beetle infestation depend on the specific species. Common treatments include insecticides, targeted traps, heat treatments, and non-chemical methods like vacuuming or freezing infested items. Identifying the beetle species is essential for targeted treatment and prevention.

Q: Are DIY beetle treatments safe and effective, or should I hire a professional beetle exterminator?

A: DIY beetle treatments can be effective for minor infestations, but proper application and safety precautions are necessary. If infestations are severe or persist despite DIY efforts, hiring a professional exterminator is recommended for more efficient and long-lasting results.