RED BEETLES
EXTERMINATOR
RED BEETLES EXPERTS
Red beetles (Nacerda melanura) are pest insects pterygotes, order Coleoptera (family Oedemeridae). They are holometabolous, that is to say, they undergo a complete metamorphosis. They are also known as dock borers because they feed on wood. An infestation problem can therefore be a big problem. The size of the adult varies between 9 to 13 mm, while the “mature” larva measures approximately 30 mm.
One recognizes the red beetle by the anterior part of its body which is rather brownish or reddish yellow, whereas the end of the elytra (pair of rigid wings) is black. Also, the side of the thorax and the legs are black and the body is entirely covered with yellowish hairs.

DO NOT WAIT
MORE!
CONTACT US
NOW
FOR YOUR
EXTERMINATOR.
PLAN A
VISIT
TODAY
WE RESPOND TO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ON THE RED BEETLES
ALL ABOUT RED BEETLES
How to get rid of red beetles?
Getting rid of nacerids, or beetles of the family Oedemeridae, can be achieved through several steps.
- Cleaning: Start by thoroughly cleaning the area where you noticed the nacres. This action will disrupt their habitat and reduce the amount of food available to them.
- Elimination of food sources: Nacerids feed on decaying organic matter. Eliminating these food sources can help prevent an infestation.
- Insecticide treatment: Insecticide treatments can be applied in areas where red beetles are often seen. It is recommended to use products approved for home use and to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Pheromone traps: Pheromone traps attract male red beetle by mimicking the sex pheromones of females. They can be helpful in reducing the nacres population in your home.
- Pest Control Professionals: If the infestation is large or difficult to control, professional help may be needed. They have the knowledge and equipment to effectively manage the infestation.
It is important to note that prevention is the best method to avoid a nacres infestation. Keep your home clean, avoid storing rotting wood or organic waste, and seal cracks and holes where nacerids could enter.
How to recognize the signs of the presence of red beetles?
Nacerdes, also known as beetles of the family Oedemeridae, are insects with specific habits. Here are some signs that might indicate their presence in your environment:
- The appearance of the insect: The red beetles are beetles of average size (between 8 to 20 millimetres) with long antennas. They are generally brown to black in colour. The larvae look like white to beige worms with dark brown heads.
- Nocturnal activity: Nacerdes are primarily active at night. If you notice unusual insect activity after sunset, it could indicate the presence of red beetles.
- Damage to organic materials: Nacerids feed on decaying wood and other organic materials. If you notice unexplained damage to these types of materials in your home, it could indicate the presence of nacres.
- Insect Feces Findings: Nacerde droppings are small sawdust-like particles. If you find such residues in your home, especially around wood storage areas or plant debris, it could be a sign of a cockroach infestation.
- Presence of exuviae: Exuviae, or molded insect skins, can be a clear sign of the presence of nacerids, especially if they are found near areas where you suspect an infestation.
If you suspect a nacres infestation, it may be wise to call in a exterminator professional for an accurate assessment and appropriate treatment.
How to avoid infestations of red beetles ?
The prevention of a red beetles infestation requires a series of hygiene and maintenance measures. The following methods can help prevent their presence:
- Wood maintenance: Nacerdes are attracted to decaying wood. It is, therefore, crucial to remove any decaying wood around your home, including old tree stumps, wood piles and unused wooden furniture.
- Eliminate moisture sources: These insects prefer moist environments. Make sure your home is well-ventilated and that wet areas, such as bathrooms, are cleaned regularly.
- Regular cleaning: Nacerdes are attracted to dirt and organic waste. Regular cleaning of your home and surrounding area can help deter these insects.
- Regular inspection: Check your home regularly for signs of a cockroach infestation. This includes looking for unexplained damage to wood and other organic materials, as well as the presence of insects or grubs.
- Wood treatment: If you have untreated wood in your home, you may want to consider impregnating it with an insecticide specifically designed to deter beetles.
- Proper Wood Storage: If you store wood outdoors for heating or other uses, be sure to keep it as dry as possible and away from your home.
- Consult a professional: If you suspect a nacres infestation, consult a exterminator professional for an accurate assessment and treatment recommendations.
By following these tips, you can reduce the likelihood of a cockroach infestation in your home.
What attracts the red beetles?
Nacerids, also known as woodworms, are attracted to a number of factors in their environment. These factors are:
- Wood: Wood is the main habitat and food source of red beetles. They are particularly attracted to decaying or poorly maintained wood, which can often be found in aging or neglected wooden structures.
- Humidity: Nacerdes thrive in humid environments. Areas of the house with high humidity, such as basements, bathrooms or kitchens, can attract these insects.
- Organic debris: Nacerids are attracted to organic debris, such as decaying leaves, moss and fungi. Regular cleaning and proper maintenance of the garden and outdoor areas can help reduce the attractiveness of your home to these insects.
- Dark, isolated areas: Like many other insects, nacres prefer dark, isolated, undisturbed areas. Attics, basements and unused corners of the house can attract these insects.
It is important to note that the presence of one or more of these factors does not guarantee a nacres infestation, but it may increase the risk. If you suspect a red beetle infestation, it is recommended that you consult a exterminator professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
Why call a red beetle exterminator expert?
There are several reasons why a professional exterminator may be needed to eliminate nacres:
- Technical expertise: Professional exterminators have extensive knowledge of nacres biology and eradication strategies. They are trained to identify signs of infestation and understand the life cycle of nacres, allowing them to apply the most effective treatment at the right time.
- Treatment Effectiveness: Nacer treatment methods available to the general public may not be as effective as those used by professionals. They use specific pesticides, often more powerful and effective than those available over the counter.
- Prevention of future infestations: A professional exterminator will not only eliminate the current infestation. He or she can also provide advice on how to prevent future infestations by identifying possible sources of infestation and recommending preventive measures.
- Damage Minimization: Nacerde can cause significant damage to wood and other organic materials in your home. A professional exterminator can intervene quickly to eliminate the infestation, thus minimizing potential damage.
- Safety: The use of pesticides to control nacres can pose health and safety risks if not used properly. A professional exterminator is trained to handle these substances safely.
It is important to note that each infestation situation is unique, and the best approach may vary depending on a variety of factors, including the degree of infestation, location, presence of pets or young children, and other environmental or health considerations.

Name | RED BEETLES |
---|---|
Class | Insects |
French name | Nacerdes |
Latin name | Nacerdes melanura |
Length | 7 to 14 mm |
dull yellow to orange-red | dull yellow to orange red |
Life | about 1 year |
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RED BEETLES
DEVELOPMENT OF NACERDES
The cycle of the nacres can extend over several years. The egg-laying takes place in the rotten and humid wood. The presence of this insect in the house can be detected by the adults walking around the house from spring to fall. You can’t see the larvae unless you stumble upon the infested wood, which is quite rare since the problem is mostly in the foundation.
HABITS
The larva attacks wet and/or rotten wood and causes a lot of damage by burrowing through the material. Because of its colour and the fact that the adult insect wanders around the house, it is often confused with cockroaches.
REPRESSION
It is often difficult to completely eliminate a nacres problem since, as mentioned above, the origin of the infestation is often located in the foundation wood. However, the extent of the damage caused by the pest problem can be controlled by treating accessible surfaces of wet and/or rotten wood with a residual insecticide. Of course, the best service would be to remove the source of the infestation, which in many cases is impossible, if not very difficult and expensive.
EXTERMINATION OF NACERDES MONTREAL
Are you ready to get rid of invasive nacres? Contact our extermination services now on the North Shore and South Shore of Montreal! Get a free estimate from our professional exterminators.
Discover also our extermination and preventive treatment services against bed bugs and wild animals.