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Bugs #155998

Asked October 07, 2013, 11:07 AM EDT

A bunch of bugs were brought in for identification.  She first noticed them outside of her walk in basement door area and are now making there way into her house.  She would like to know what they are and how to get rid of them safely without harm to her pets.  Is there something she can use that would be safe.  She currently is just vacuuming them up.

Kalkaska County Michigan

Expert Response

These appear to be a species of weevil.  Possibly the clover root weevil especially if you have your lawn close to the foundation of your house.  It also looks a lot like the Strawberry Root weevil, but there are many types of weevils.  You did not give me a size, which would have helped. What plants are around the basement door?  There is a Rose weevil, and other root weevils which like rhododendrons. So this is not a positive identification.  Without closer inspection it is hard to say.

As far as control, vacuuming is the safest way, as all chemicals can be harmful.  Also seal all opening around the doors and windows where they might be entering the building. Use of insecticides around the exterior of the building may help further suppress incidental migrations into buildings. Pyrethroid insecticides are most effective for this purpose, including products that have bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, or lambda-cyhalothrin as the active ingredient. These may be applied around the base of the foundation and/or on plants that show leaf notching injuries that indicate adult feeding.  Always check the label as far as if pets are affected. Be sure to read and follow their instructions.

Hope this was helpful. Feel free to contact us again if you have further questions.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 07, 2013, 6:03 PM EDT

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