You’re walking through your kitchen when you spot something small crawling near the pantry. Oval shape. Hard shell. Tiny legs. “Is that a beetle?” Probably. Beetles are one of the most common bugs found inside homes. They show up in kitchens, closets, carpets, and more. Some beetles are harmless. Others? Not so much. They chew food, fabric, wood, and even insulation.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- The most common types of beetles found indoors
- How to identify different beetles
- What attracts house beetles
- What to do if they move in
Let’s talk about it more.
Why Are Beetles Inside My House?
Credit: altapestcontrol.com
What happens is that beetles sneak inside looking for food, warmth, and shelter.
They come in through:
- Gaps in doors or windows
- Vents
- Grocery bags
- Firewood
- Pet food containers
Once in, they hide in dark corners. If you’re seeing very small insects in your house, there’s a chance they’re beetles. Or sometimes, they’re mistaken for types of bugs that look like cockroaches.
Are All House Beetles Harmful?
Not all beetles cause damage. Some are just annoying. Others can ruin:
- Clothes
- Dry food
- Furniture
- Wood
- Carpet
Knowing the common house beetles in your house can help you act fast.
Common Beetles in Homes
Carpet Beetles
Credit: insightpestnorthwest.com
This is what type, and let me tell you, carpet beetles are small, about the size of a rice grain. These are one of the most common beetles in homes.
Adult beetles don’t cause much damage. But their larvae feed on:
- Wool
- Leather
- Hair
- Natural fibers
- Dead bugs
You might find them in closets, carpets, or corners. Carpet beetles often look like small, round beetles, black or brown with white or yellow markings.
Furniture Beetles (Wood-Boring Beetles)
Credit: wikipedia.org
These beetles are wood-destroyers. Their larvae live inside wooden furniture or floors and eat from the inside out.
You might not see the beetle itself. But you will see:
- Fine wood dust
- Small round exit holes
- Weak or splintered wood
If you’ve recently brought in old or secondhand wood furniture, inspect it closely. These pests are among the different types of beetles that can cause long-term damage. And while some beetles can be destructive, others play a helpful role in your yard, learn more about beneficial garden insects and how they support your outdoor ecosystem.
Powderpost Beetles
Credit: mabi-usa.com
Similar to furniture beetles, but they prefer unfinished wood. They often attack floors, trim, or new furniture.
You’ll notice:
- Fresh holes
- Talc-like powder piles
- Wood that crumbles easily
This type is less common than carpet beetles, but just as destructive.
Cigarette Beetles
Credit: emoyer.com
Well, despite the name, they infest more than just tobacco. They love dried foods and spices.
Often found in:
- Rice
- Pasta
- Spices (like paprika)
- Pet food
- Tea
These little brown beetles in the house are small and round with a humped back.
Drugstore Beetles
Credit: uspest.com
Close cousins of cigarette beetles. They chew through nearly anything.
Common hiding spots include:
- Cereal boxes
- Flour bags
- Pet treats
- Spices
- Even books and insulation
They can chew through cardboard and plastic. So if you see holes in food packaging, toss it. These are another type of small beetle in homes that people often overlook.
Grain Beetles
Credit: dominionpestcontrol.com
Tiny, reddish-brown beetles that infest grain products.
Look for them in:
- Cornmeal
- Oatmeal
- Birdseed
- Stored pet food
If you’ve got open packages or damp pantries, they’ll move in fast. These are some of the most common house beetles in kitchens.
Larder Beetles
Credit: extension.umn.edu
If you don’t know, larder beetles are dark with a yellowish band across their back.
They feed on:
- Meat scraps
- Cheese
- Dead insects
- Pet food
They’re one of those little beetles in houses that often end up in basements or kitchens. Some people worry about larder beetle bites, but they don’t bite humans. Still, they’re gross and unwanted.
Ground Beetles
Credit: agsci.colostate.edu
These large, black beetles usually stay outside. But sometimes they wander indoors.
They’re fast movers and are often mistaken for cockroaches. If you spot a large black beetle in the house, it’s likely a ground beetle.
Good news? They don’t damage anything and actually eat other pests.
Bad news? They’re not pleasant house guests.
Flea Beetles
Credit: gardenia.net
Small and jumpy, flea beetles are more common in gardens. But sometimes they end up inside, especially in homes with indoor plants.
They’re tiny and hard to spot. If you’re noticing little brown bugs jumping around plants, these might be the culprits.
While not a serious indoor pest, they’re still annoying.
Signs of a Beetle Infestation
If you’re dealing with bugs inside the house, watch for these beetle clues:
- Small holes in clothes or rugs
- Chewed food packaging
- Powdery dust near wood
- Larvae skins or beetle shells
- Live beetles crawling on windows, floors, or shelves
A few beetles may not be serious. But if they keep showing up? Time to act. At Buglady, we have a team of experts who can help you with the treatment of beetle and other bug infestations. So, tell us about your problem and leave the rest to us.
What Causes Beetle Infestations?
Beetles come inside for three reasons:
- Food – open food, crumbs, pet bowls, and dry goods
- Shelter – warm, dark, and cluttered spaces
- Moisture – leaky pipes, damp basements, or wet wood
They love cluttered garages, unsealed food, and messy pantries. A little cleaning can make a big difference.
What to Do About Beetles in Your Home
If you’ve spotted beetles, here’s your action plan:
- Identify the Type – Knowing the species helps you target your treatment.
- Clean Affected Areas – Vacuum carpets. Wipe down pantry shelves. Remove infested items.
- Seal Your Food – Use airtight containers for dry goods and pet food.
- Wash Fabrics – Use hot water and high heat to kill eggs and larvae.
- Use Natural Deterrents – Cedar, lavender, and vinegar can repel many beetle types.
- Fix Leaks and Seal Cracks – Dry homes are less inviting for pests.
- Use Sticky Traps – They can help you monitor and reduce adult beetles.
When to Call a Pro?
Sometimes, DIY just doesn’t cut it. Call a licensed pest expert if:
- The infestation keeps coming back
- You find damaged wood or furniture
- You can’t identify the beetle
- You’ve tried everything, and they’re still there
Pest pros can treat deep infestations safely and effectively.
Prevention works. Beetles thrive where we let our guard down.
Wrap Up
In a nutshell, common house beetles are just that, common. They come in all sizes, colors, and behaviors.
From small beetles in your home, pantry invaders, or little brown beetles in the house, they can cause big headaches.
Now you know the types. You know the signs. And you know what to do.
Still not sure what’s crawling around your floors, closets, or shelves? Let BugLady help you.
Got beetles in the house? Don’t guess, call BugLady. We’ll ID the pest, treat the problem, and keep your home clean and safe.
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