Predatory Beetles : Ground beetles
categories: Natural Enemies Predatory Beetles
last review date: 2025-08-23 07:22
Photo by: D.G. James
Biology
Carabids or ground beetles, as their name suggests, are ground-dwelling, living in soil and detritus, with some species preying on cutworms, ants, maggots, earthworms, slugs and other beetles.
Largely nocturnal, they are rarely seen but large populations can exist in gardens providing valuable pest control services.
There are many species of ground beetles ranging from 1/8 inch to 1 inch in length and most are dark and shiny with prominent eyes and thread-like antennae.
Prey or Pest Targeted
- Mites, aphids, leafhoppers, mealybugs, thrips, insect eggs and small larvae, scale insects, whiteflies
Attracting and Keeping Natural Enemies
and Pollinators in Your Yard and Garden
- Native plants provide essential resources.
- Native flora also provides natural overwintering sites.
- Natural dispersion from nearby habitats ensures visitation.
- Some kinds of beneficial insects predatory mites are commercially available.
- Avoid regular use of synthetic, broad-spectrum pesticides.
- Infrequent use of certain narrow-spectrum pesticides is more compatible with some beneficials.
- Extensive lawns are also not conducive to attracting beneficial insects.
Management Options
See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- None recommended
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.
Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.