Pest Expert Overview: Dung Beetles in Bryan & College Station
In the diverse landscapes of Texas, from the arid deserts to lush forests, dung beetles play a crucial yet often overlooked role in the ecosystem. These industrious insects, known for their unique relationship with dung, contribute significantly to soil health and nutrient recycling.
Dung beetles, part of the Scarabaeidae family, are fascinating creatures that have formed a symbiotic relationship with the dung of various animals. They come in various sizes, colors, and shapes, but all share the common trait of using dung not only as a food source but also as a breeding chamber. Texas hosts a variety of dung beetle species, each adapted to the state’s different habitats.
An interesting fact about dung beetles is their incredible strength; some species can roll balls of dung up to 50 times their weight. This remarkable feat, combined with their orientation skills, allows them to navigate while pushing dung balls in a straight line, even at night, using the Milky Way as a guide—a unique ability in the animal kingdom.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of dung beetles is closely tied to their dung-based lifestyle. It begins when a female lays her eggs in or on a ball of dung. Upon hatching, the larvae feed on the dung, which provides a rich source of nutrients. This phase can last from weeks to months, depending on environmental conditions and the species.
Once the larvae have consumed enough nutrients, they enter the pupal stage, still within the dung ball, eventually emerging as fully developed adults. These adults will then continue the cycle, seeking out fresh dung to eat and use for the next generation. The entire life cycle of a dung beetle can vary significantly, from a single season to multiple years, depending on the species and climate.
Why are they Pests?
While dung beetles are generally beneficial to the environment, helping to decompose and recycle waste, there are circumstances under which they can become pests. During the summer, large numbers of dung beetles can be attracted to outdoor lights around structures and find their way indoors, creating a nuisance.
Dung Beetle Prevention and Control
Our general pest control can kill the adults that come to lights, but it may take several hours for them to die. A better option would be to replace outdoor light bulbs with LED light bulbs. LED light bulbs are much less attractive to insects than standard light bulbs. Using motion activated lights can also reduce the number of insects coming to outdoor lights at night.
Professional Dung Beetle Control
Dung Beetles indoors are included in our Basic Pest Control Service, HomeGard Service Bundle, HomeGard Plus Service Bundle, and TotalGard Service Bundle. If you are dealing with an infestation of Dung Beetles, Venus Pest Company can help. Founded by Aggie Entomologist Dr. Scott Lingren, we provide expert, eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management solutions in Bryan and College Station. To get started, fill out the contact form, call/text 979.774.0486 or email [email protected]. Don’t let nuisance pests take over your home!
