Sasha CampbellHave you spotted those hard-bodied, dark brown or black beetles?
They move slowly and can be found scurrying in cracks around your home or under rocks and leaves outside. Those are likely darkling beetles.
An infestation of darkling beetles can damage your plants. The larvae (often called mealworms) and adults can chew on plant leaves and seedlings [1].
Some poultry farmers also have a problem with them in their poultry houses. However, the key to controlling these beetles is management.
In this article, you will discover several natural remedies and control methods to get rid of darkling beetles in your garden and home.
Identification
What do these little pests look like? Darkling beetles are often dark brown or black and about 3 to 6 mm long. Their damage to plants is similar to the damage cutworms inflict on your plants.
But don’t worry; with diligent planning and simple home remedies, you can control an infestation and keep away these beetles!
How to Get Rid of Darkling Beetles Naturally
Check out these natural remedies and see which ones work best for you.
1. Soapy Water
One surefire way to deal with darkling beetles in the home is to make a soapy water spray. Mix a pan of soapy water and have it ready.
Next, manually pick up the beetles or vacuum them up, then drop them into the container of soap and water. The soapy solution will cling to the beetles and suffocate them.
2. Address Leaks and Moisture Issues Around Your Property
Darkling beetles need water to survive. Therefore, eliminate standing water or excess moisture around foundations, basements, crawlspaces, attics, etc.
Check for any cracks or holes leading into the structure and seal them. Fix leaky pipes or faucets, and install vapor barriers. Also, ventilation and insulation should be improved where needed.
Be proactive and address leaks and moisture issues to remove darkling beetles’ sustenance and shelter. A dry environment is hostile to these pests.
3. Diatomaceous Earth
You can also play around with diatomaceous earth. This fine powder dehydrates and kills many beetles, and these beetles are no exception.
Many people use DE in their barns or poultry houses where they have a problem with this pest. Therefore, it should be applied directly to damp areas and sprinkled over the litter and other problem areas.
4. Boric Acid
Boric acid is a fine white powder that dehydrates the beetles and kills them if they ingest it. They die shortly after.
To use, sprinkle this powder directly onto areas where you see the beetles. You can also make a homemade darkling beetle spray by mixing one tablespoon of boric acid powder with one cup of water.
Next, spray this solution onto areas where these pests will likely go. Reapply the solution (dry or wet) regularly until you stop seeing the beetles.
5. Eliminate Their Food Sources
To eliminate darkling beetles’ food sources, you’ll need to do some cleaning up, especially outside.
Apart from messing around with your live plants, darkling beetles feed on things like decaying wood, dead insects, dead leaves, and fungi. Therefore, do a thorough inspection and clean up what you can.
6. Vinegar
Making a vinegar trap with equal parts water and vinegar is an excellent home remedy for carpet beetles and other black beetles. It kills the eggs and larvae of these pests.
Therefore, go ahead and try it. It may work well for darkling beetles, too.
7. Beauveria bassiana
Beauveria bassiana is an insect pathogen that targets many pests. It can effectively control darkling beetle populations organically.
You can purchase it as a spray-on product and apply it directly to areas where you see darkling beetles or their larvae. The fungal spores will contact the beetles and infect them, ultimately killing them.
8. Remove Debris from the Garden
Darkling beetles thrive in dark, overlooked areas with plenty of places to hide and feed. Regularly rake up leaves, mulch, wood chips, and yard waste where the beetles can harbor.
Next, dispose of the debris to prevent the beetles from infesting other areas of your yard. Taking away shelter and food will make your garden, chicken houses, and the nearby regions less inviting to pests.
9. Eliminate Hiding Places
Fill any cracks around your home and equipment with caulk or weatherstrip to prevent darkling beetles from hiding.
Also, keeping poultry litter as dry as possible is key. As mentioned above, remove outdoor debris like dead wood and leaf litter.
The best approach is to clean the garden and yard while keeping the coop environment inhospitable to these pests.
10. Essentria IC Pro
Essentria IC Pro is a natural insecticide concentrate made from essential plant oils. It is ideal for repelling and killing these critters and other flying and crawling insects.
Spray the solution directly on the beetles. This plant-based formula is also safe for schools and food preparation areas.
11. Bug Buster-O
Bug Buster-O is an organic pesticide. You can use it to naturally eliminate darkling beetles, weevils, grain beetles, flour beetles, and many other insect pests.
Dilute and spray Bug Buster-O directly on darkling beetles, larvae you see, and plants that they’ll most likely be a bother to.
However, it’s best to start spraying when the pest first appears. This product is suitable for almost anything you grow.
Takeaway
Whether you call them pinacate beetles, mealworm beetles, or darkling beetles, you can control an infestation without harsh chemicals. It may take some work, but staying dedicated to a natural approach will pay off.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep at it and be patient. In a few weeks, you’ll start noticing fewer and fewer of the little critters around.
Add comment