The ball beetle is a household pest that should not be underestimated. But what does it look like and what damage can vermin actually do in your home? What you should know about the bug and how to get rid of it.

Why are they so dangerous?

In themselves, the beetles are not directly dangerous or poisonous for us humans, but they indirectly damage our health. Since bullet beetles are omnivores, they stop at almost nothing: they eat wool, fabrics, fillings, grain, but also dead insects, animal and plant remains.

Once they have established themselves, they can spread quickly and besiege entire houses. The females produce clutches of up to 200 eggs, which is one reason for the rapid reproduction.

The beetles can infest half-timbered houses or apartments in old buildings, as these represent the ideal conditions for them.

As a result, they gradually eat their way through the building fabric and over time make living in it difficult or even unreasonable. Since the animals are very hardy and undemanding, it is incredibly difficult to drive them away at an early stage.

It becomes particularly problematic when the ball beetle also infests foods such as flour, spices or oatmeal. They contaminate food with their droppings, pupae and larvae skins

You can do that against the bugs

If you have a ball beetle infestation, you should definitely take the following measures:
Check your supplies regularly: the beetles will eat and burrow through packaging. Make sure the food is well sealed and see if you can spot any holes or debris from the faeces or larvae. Dispose of this packaging immediately.
Use masking tape: This is a great way to check if you actually have bullet bugs in your house. For example, put double-sided tape on the floor so the bugs stick to the tape.
Oatmeal and Newspaper: Set up small traps out of oatmeal and wet newspaper. The animals love the moisture and will congregate there. Therefore, use adhesive tape here as well, which you stick around your trap.
Prevent: Clean regularly, ventilate well and avoid moisture in the house. Also, make sure you regularly check your supplies and wardrobe. Always clean thoroughly and keep everything closed and dry.

However, if the bullet beetles have nested in you for several months or longer, you should definitely contact an exterminator for professional help. This is the only way you can safely rid your house or storage room of the bugs.