October 10, 2024, 11:12 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The black fungus beetle is widespread throughout Germany and stands out due to its matte black appearance. Occasionally, you may discover it in your home. Is this a cause for concern or rather harmless? myHOMEBOOK explains.
The black fungus beetle is widespread in Europe and can be found in gardens and occasionally inside homes. With its raised abdomen, it even resembles a scorpion. But is the insect dangerous or even beneficial?
Overview
This is what the black fungus beetle looks like
As the name suggests, the Black Fungus Beetle (Ocypus olens) is matte black in color. Its slender body can reach a length of 20 to approximately 40 millimeters and is protected by wing covers. It belongs to the short-winged species and is one of the largest of its kind in Europe.
In addition to its deep black coloration, it has two other striking features. When threatened, it raises its abdomen and adopts a posture reminiscent of a scorpion. It can secrete a strong-smelling and skin-irritating secretion to deter enemies. The beetle also has powerful mandibles – i.e., feeding tools – with which it can bite hard. According to the Donau-Auen National Park, the bite can also be unpleasant and, above all, painful for humans.
The lifestyle of the black fungus beetle
As the name suggests, the black fungus beetle is a predatory insect. It mainly hunts invertebrates, including earthworms and snails. However, the beetle is not only a hunter of living prey but also feeds on carrion. The black fungus beetle can be particularly helpful for gardeners, as it eats slugs and snails, among other things, and can, therefore, protect vegetables from being eaten bare.
The beetle primarily inhabits damp environments, including forests, floodplains, gardens, and heaths. Occasionally, it can also be found in drier locations such as dry slopes – and even in homes.
Is the black fungus beetle harmful to humans and homes?
The black fungus beetle can bite, secrete a secretion, and appear threatening. But does it also pose a danger to humans, or can it harm the home? Woodland Trust UK, a British non-profit organization for the protection, care, and restoration of forests and tree populations, says: “The black fungus beetle is widespread and common throughout the country, with no known specific threats.” However, the black fungus beetle is an indication that something is wrong in your home. The beetle prefers to live in damp environments – and where it’s damp, mold often grows.
This means that if you discover a fungus beetle in your home, there may be a mold problem. Therefore, investigate whether food is moldy and check the basement as well as the walls and ceilings in the home for possible mold infestation. A dehumidifier can also provide a remedy.
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How to control the black fungus beetle
It is important to tackle the causes. Mold often results from excessive indoor moisture, which can be caused by leaky walls, inadequate cleaning, poor air circulation, or improper room temperatures. In private homes, it is usually sufficient to remove all potential food sources that are affected and to thoroughly clean and disinfect the areas. The temperature and humidity should also be optimally adjusted to create an environment that is unsuitable for the beetles.
In larger businesses, however, pest controllers recommend not only combating the causes but also controlling the beetles directly. This involves the use of insecticides, such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or phosphine (hydrogen phosphide). Preventive measures should then be taken to prevent the beetles from reappearing.