Elm Seed Beetle

For the 3rd straight year the Elm Seed Beetles are invading the Treasure Valley again, and so far, this year is the biggest infestation yet. Our phones have been non-stop with calls about this annoying insect.

I would like to cover our experience with elm seed beetles and how we manage treatment for this pest.

We focus our treatment on the exterior of your building where the elm seed beetles congregate. This outside treatment initially lowers the number that will move indoors but it won’t completely eliminate them. I usually explain to our customers that we can exterminate 100% of the Elm Seed Beetles on your building today but a whole new batch can fly in tomorrow. When a new batch arrives, they will be affected by the residual insecticide that was applied, but the effect of treatment will take some time, usually several hours.

Looking at the exterior walls after an application, you may still see Elm Seed Beetles on your building.  This doesn’t mean the treatment isn’t working.  It just means the treatment is still under way.

After this treatment, there is usually an estimate of 70% reduction in the numbers of elm beetles both inside and outside.  Some infestations require a booster treatment in two to three weeks after the initial treatment. The necessity of this second application is dependent on the level of Elm Seed Beetles pressure coming from yours and your neighbors property.

I hope this information helps with any problem you may be having with Elm Seed Beetles. We would be happy to help you in any way, answering any further questions you may have or scheduling a treatment.   

A continued great summer!