How to Get Rid of Hister Beetles
Hister beetles are common in Southcentral Pennsylvania, particularly in poultry operations. These small, black beetles help control fly populations by preying on house fly eggs and larvae in manure, making them valuable in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
In poultry houses, they thrive in older manure, with populations becoming significant after about six weeks of accumulation.
Do Hister Beetles Bite?
Hister beetles are not known to bite humans. Their primary role in the ecosystem is as predators of small insects, especially fly eggs and larvae, which they crush with their strong mandibles.
Their mandibles are designed for hunting prey, not for defensive or aggressive interactions with people.
How Long Do They Live?
In general, they can live several months, progressing through four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The entire development cycle, from egg to adult, can take about 20 to 30 days under optimal conditions.
Is Hister Beetle Pest Control Common?
Dominion Pest Control offers general pest management services for various beetles and insects we call “pantry pests.” Hister beetles are not as common in residential pest control as these types of beetles and insects.
But if you’re dealing with a significant pest issue involving hister beetles (also called clown beetles) or have related concerns, consulting one of our pest experts is advisable.
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We offer customized pest management solutions for various beetle species. Our pest control specialists can assess infestations and use safe, effective treatments.
Typically, hister beetles are not major household pests, however homeowners might contact pest control if their presence becomes noticeable indoors. Also, hister beetles are mistaken for other types of insects that are more common.
What’s the Difference Between a Hister Beetle and a Cockroach?
Hister beetles and cockroaches differ in appearance, diet, habitat, and behavior.
Hister beetles are small (around 1/8 inch), shiny, and black, with compact, oval-shaped bodies and short legs. They are primarily predatory, feeding on fly eggs and larvae.
In contrast, cockroaches are larger (up to 2 inches), have a flat, oval-shaped body, long antennae, and are known for their scavenging habits, feeding on a wide variety of organic materials. Cockroaches are commonly found in homes and businesses and are considered pests due to their ability to spread diseases and contaminate food.
While hister beetles are beneficial in agricultural settings, cockroaches are a nuisance in homes and businesses. Hister beetles are more likely to stay near their food sources, whereas cockroaches are highly mobile and can infest new areas quickly.
Despite their differences, hister beetles may sometimes be mistaken for “baby cockroaches” or other small, dark beetles such as dung beetles or darkling beetles, which share similar environments and appearances.
Beetle Pest Control Services in PA
For effective pest control at home, keep your food items in airtight containers and consistently inspect groceries for signs of bugs.
On farms, piling and tarping manure for at least two weeks can kill developing pests, including hister beetles.
If a homeowner or business owner encounters beetles that they can’t identify, Dominion’s comprehensive services, backed by over 70 years of combined expertise, make us a reliable choice for helping identify and manage beetle infestations.
Request An Inspection Now – Call 717-393-7879
We are local exterminators to the Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Dauphin (Hershey), Berks, Cumberland, and Chester County, PA areas with a strong understanding of native pests and how best to control them; let us deliver customized protection to your family and your home!