Pest Expert Overview: Click Beetles in Bryan & College Station
In the vast and diverse state of Texas, where the ecosystem teems with life, click beetles stand out as one of the more intriguing insects. Known for their unique ability to flip into the air with an audible click sound, these beetles capture the curiosity of those who encounter them.
Click beetles, belonging to the family Elateridae, are known for their elongated bodies and the distinctive clicking mechanism they possess. This mechanism is a specialized spine-and-groove structure found on their underside, which they use to launch themselves into the air as a defense against predators or to right themselves if flipped over. There are over 900 species of click beetles in North America, with a significant number present in Texas, varying greatly in size, color, and habitat preferences.
An interesting fact about these beetles is that some species are bioluminescent in their larval stage, similar to fireflies. The larvae, often called “wireworms,” glow in the dark, a feature that is particularly evident in the famous “glowworm” caves in New Zealand, where a related species is found.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of click beetles is quite fascinating and can vary significantly among species. It typically begins with females laying eggs in soil or decaying wood, where the larvae, or wireworms, will have immediate access to food upon hatching. These larvae are elongated, hard-bodied, and can live underground for several years, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
Wireworms feed on plant roots, seeds, and underground stems, growing slowly and molting several times before pupating. The pupal stage occurs in the soil, and after several weeks, the adult beetles emerge. Adults are primarily foliage feeders and are most active during the night.
Why are they Pests?
While click beetles themselves are generally not harmful to crops or structures, their larvae can be agricultural pests. Wireworms pose a significant threat to a variety of crops in Texas, including corn, cotton, sorghum, and wheat. They can cause considerable damage by feeding on seeds and young plant roots, leading to reduced germination, stunted growth, and in severe cases, crop failure.
The pest status of wireworms is particularly challenging due to their long larval stage and their ability to survive in the soil for multiple years, making infestations difficult to control.
Click Beetle Prevention and Control
Click beetles are not considered pests outside of certain agricultural situations. They are harmless to people and can’t become established indoors.
Adults appear occasionally in houses either because they emerged from the soil under the house or were attracted to lights at night and found their way inside.
Our basic pest quarterly service is effective against them if they cross an area we have treated. It may take an hour or two for them to die.
Switching to LED lights outside can reduce the numbers of click beetles coming to lights at night.
Professional Click Beetle Control
Click 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 American cockroaches, 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!
