Weevils? - Ask Extension
I've seen a few of these and I think they are sweet potato weevils, but I'm not growing any sweet potatoes in my basement, so... maybe I'm wrong?
I...
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Weevils? #874411
Asked June 24, 2024, 11:23 AM EDT
I've seen a few of these and I think they are sweet potato weevils, but I'm not growing any sweet potatoes in my basement, so... maybe I'm wrong?
I live on a mostly shaded lot, Towson area, in a grove of tulip poplars. Not a lot of sun. Not a lot of gardening of veggies happening. Definitely nothing tuber-based.
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Although the overall color pattern is similar, and this is a beetle, this is not a weevil. Instead, it looks like a type of ground beetle, which are considered beneficial in gardens as they hunt other insects and slugs/snails to eat. It likely took advantage of a gap/crack and found its way in, drawn to the dark and cooler environment, and is just wandering around without being able to find its way back outside again. You can check door weather-stripping for worn-out sections, window screening for tears, and other access points where the beetle might have gotten in. If an exterior light is in the area near a door or window, then perhaps it being on at night is unintentionally attracting insects to that area, since many night-active insects are disoriented and drawn to night lighting. Turning it off might help solve the problem in that situation.
Miri
Miri
You're welcome!