Question
Hi Mike -

Although this isn't strictly a gardening question, I have a feeling the bugs that have begun infesting our kitchen are something a gardner would know about.  They're smaller than ladybugs, but have approximately the same beetle-y look.  They're a dull green color with very tiny black spots (much smaller than ladybug spots) and if they can fly, I haven't seen them do it.  They show up during the day, appear to be coming from around our (closed) kitchen window, and are crawling around on the ceiling, the tops of our cabinets, and our countertops.  They don't seem to be attracted to any food items.

So, my questions are:  What are they?  And, more importantly, how can we make them go away?

Hope you can help, or that you can pass along this question to someone you know who can answer it.

All the best,

Jen van Stelle

Answer
Jen, given the fact there are literally thousands of species, it is very difficult to pinpoint which beetle has infested your home.  If I were to venture a guess, I would say you either have ground beetles or elm leaf beetles in your home.  Regardless of what type they are, they are all treated with the same controls.

There are many chemicals on the market that you can use, but keep in mind that toxicity is a major concern when spraying indoors.  A better alternative is a product called pyrethrum.  It is 100% organic and is a derivative of the chrysanthenum flower.  It is non-toxic to humans, pets, and the environment.  Just keep in mind that this is a contact spray, and should therefore be used directly on the beetles. This product can be purchased at most garden centers and nurseries, or on line through such companies as Gardens Alive or Planet Natural.

Finally, you can choose to wait until the weather warms and leave a window open.  The beetles will leave on their own.  This option may be your best bet since beetles seldom cause any damage to the home, and will not eat table food since their main source of nutrition comes from smaller insects such as aphids.

Good luck, and have a great day.

Regards,

Mike