Click Beetle
Easy DIY
Identification
Elongated brown-black beetles known for the audible clicking sound they make to flip upright when placed on their backs; larvae (wireworms) can damage garden roots.
Can I DIY this?
Easy DIYYou can handle this one yourself.
With the right product and a little patience, most homeowners take care of this pest on their own. Follow the treatment guide, read the product label, and you're set.
Recommended products
Syngenta Demand CS Insecticide, 8ozExterior perimeter barrierControl Solutions Bifen L/P Insecticide Granules, 25 lbsYard & perimeter granulesSome links may be affiliate links. Buggsy may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Always follow the product label.
- Check whether the infestation is active or old — fresh, light-colored powdery frass means active larvae; dry, clumpy frass or emergence holes usually mean it's already over.
- For active infestations in sound wood, apply a borate-based wood treatment to all exposed sides — sealed or painted wood needs the finish removed first.
- Treat nearby cracks, voids, and entry points with a residual insecticide.
- If the wood is structurally compromised, it may be more practical to replace it than treat it — get a professional opinion if you're unsure.
- Watch for new exit holes or fresh frass over the following season to confirm the treatment worked.
Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes with socks, chemical-resistant gloves, and goggles. Add a respirator if the label calls for it or ventilation is poor.