AMERICAN OIL BEETLE EXTERMINATOR
NEWTOWN PA
Although it is widely thought that beetles encountered throughout the Newtown area relatively harmless, such is not the case with the American oil beetle which can wreak havoc in gardens and cause painful blisters on people who inadvertently touch these insects.
That is because the American oil beetle is a member of the blister beetle family. When they feel threatened, they emit a toxic oil that raises blisters on the victim's skin. This provides the slow-moving beetle with an opportunity to escape.
Unfortunately, this substance does not only cause blisters. If it is ingested, it also can be fatal. People, pets, horses and many other animals may be made seriously ill or even die after accidentally eating some of this oil.
Even if people do not make physical contact with American oil beetles, there may be serious consequences in gardens. The species is herbivorous, meaning that they have an insatiable appetite for flowers, foliage and even fruits and vegetables. A large infestation easily can undo the work of months in a few days.
Accordingly, it is wise for property owners to be aware of the early signs of an infestation of American oil beetles. Even better, gardeners and landscapers may want to take steps to prevent an infestation of these pests in the first place.
When the infestation is already underway and quite large, then it makes sense for property owners to call in a pest management professional. With their combined knowledge and access to powerful, proven treatment methods, exterminators can make short work of American oil beetle infestations.
WHAT DO AMERICAN OIL BEETLES LOOK LIKE?
Most members of this species are black or dark blue. While some have a dull finish, others may appear quite shiny. The surface of the beetle's body usually has a slightly bumpy texture, and a pair of antennae is found on the head. Size can vary widely, with some adults being only seven millimeters long while others can measure 30 millimeters. The abdomen is soft, but a shell covers the back and resembles plates that overlap each other. These beetles are not equipped with wings and must slowly walk everywhere they go.
WHERE DO AMERICAN OIL BEETLES LIVE?
This insect is widely distributed across the eastern United States. Frequently found on the plants that they consume, American oil beetles may inadvertently blunder into homes and commercial buildings as well.
Buttercups are a particular favorite of the American oil beetle, so any landscaping that contains these flowers is susceptible to infestation. Great numbers of these insects may gather in lawns, and they are omnipresent in grasslands that have a good population of wildflowers.
WHAT DO AMERICAN OIL BEETLES EAT?
American oil beetles are herbivores. They feed on a wide variety of flowers and foliage from many plant species. It also is possible to see them infesting vegetable gardens.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY
AMERICAN OIL BEETLES
American oil beetles are considered garden pests. They may be active at any time of the year, but are most likely to be encountered in the spring. This is unfortunate because a large population of these pests can wreak havoc in the garden. Avid gardeners and landscapers are bound to be frustrated in their attempts to raise flowers and produce in an infested area.
Moreover, the presence of American oil beetles can be detrimental to honey bee populations. Larvae of the species cluster on flowers, forming themselves into a shape that is deceptively similar to that of a female honey bee. To strengthen the deception, the larvae even put off a pheromone that smells remarkably like that which is emitted by female bees. A male bee can be attracted to this sight and smell. When it comes near, the larvae attach themselves to the bee.
Eventually, the male bee will mate with a female bee. American oil beetle larvae take advantage of this by transferring onto the female bee. She carries the larvae back to the nest where they feed on honey and bee larvae until they leave the nest as adults.
With honey bee populations in decline, it is clear that an American oil beetle infestation can be detrimental in more ways than one.
ARE AMERICAN OIL BEETLES AGGRESSIVE?
Slow and lumbering, the American oil beetle must rely on methods other than attack to protect itself. Fortunately for the survival of the species, these beetles are equipped with an ingenious means of defense.
Part of the blister beetle family, the American oil beetle can secrete droplets that have the appearance and consistency of oil, which is how they get their name. This oil is mostly made up of a chemical known as cantharidin, which is both poisonous and caustic. It is automatically secreted from the leg joints whenever the insect feels threatened. Males produce this substance, but females cannot. However, females receive some canthardidin each time they mate.
Cantharidin is extremely toxic. When even a small portion contacts human skin, it causes blisters that can be extraordinarily painful. Horses are occasionally killed when they accidentally ingest this oil with their feed. Should a person ingest even 10 milligrams of the substance, it can prove fatal.
The beetles know exactly how adept this oily substance is at protecting them. The female actually coats her eggs in it to protect them from predators.
Because of the potentially painful consequences of touching these beetles, it is always best to examine them visually rather than trying to pick them up.
DO AMERICAN OIL BEETLES CARRY DISEASE?
Fortunately, this species is not known for transmitting diseases to people. However, it is wise to keep in mind that the oil they secrete when they are handled or feeling threatened can cause blisters. If this substance is accidentally ingested by people, pets, horses or other animals, it can be fatal.
Accordingly, it is always sensible to have a Newtown pest control professional assess the situation when an American oil beetle infestation is suspected to be underway.
HOW TO DETECT AMERICAN OIL BEETLES
It is not always a straightforward matter for people to differentiate American oil beetles from other species. In fact, they look quite similar to other common beetles. Accordingly, many property owners do not become alarmed until certain events begin occurring.
Perhaps the most shocking of these is the development of blisters. Anyone who has ever handled an American oil beetle already knows that this can be a painful experience. Within moments after contact with the oil secreted by the insect, painful blisters form on the victim's skin. It also is possible that people may develop these blisters without actually touching a beetle. This occurs when the oily substance is left behind on various surfaces that people may touch.
Clearly, blisters on the skin are the most obvious sign that the property has a problem with American oil beetles, but these pests may leave other signs of their presence.
Visual sightings are common, especially when the local population is large. This may mean that people are seeing signs of destruction in their yards or landscaping. Having many American oil beetles in a concentrated area signals disaster for produce and flower gardens. With the pests also infesting lawns, it can be difficult to make the most of these areas in the summer.
HOW TO PREVENT AMERICAN OIL BEETLES
Gardeners are particularly alert to the early signs of an American oil beetle infestation. Many of them already know that it is possible to remove a small number of beetles by hand, of course only while wearing gloves. The pests may be placed in a small bucket of soapy water to kill them.
Gardeners also may spread diatomaceous earth as a barrier around plants. This substance is known to kill the beetles while also repelling others. Similarly, spreading oyster lime shell in the garden at the beginning of the growing season can help to keep American oil beetles out.
Another sensible preventative measure is to avoid including plants in landscaping that are particularly attractive to American oil beetles. It is equally advisable to control weeds like pigweed, ragweed and ironweed as these are frequently sought after by this pest.
HOW TO TREAT FOR AMERICAN OIL BEETLES
Despite all of these efforts, American oil beetles may likely find a way to occupy a garden or a patch of landscaping. When this occurs, property owners are advised to contact Newtown Termite & Pest Control as quickly as possible. Making a fast response is essential to ensuring that the problem does not spread and get out of hand, exposing people and pets to injury and illness.
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