They are also known as insects of the order of the Coleoptera. They are characterized by having a pair of wings of a hard structure that protects the other wings, when these harder wings fold they act as an exoskeleton, however most beetles can fly but not too much and only do it when necessary . There are approximately more than 300 thousand species of coleoptera where most are called beetles, thus becoming the animals with more species in the animal kingdom.

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Their feeding varies according to the species, the great majority are herbivores, they feed on fungi, while others prefer plants, fruits, flowers, wood. There is also a variety of carnivores that feed on snails, while the necrophagous species feed on other smaller and dead insects. For example, the manure beetle feeds on animal excrement. This species builds a ball with the animal excrement, then transports it to its place and goes to consume it, also uses it to deposit its eggs.

They reproduce sexually, that is, when they mate. Although it is not easy to distinguish sex, there are certain characteristics that differentiate them, such as colors, sizes, smells. Females release pheromones or emit sounds to attract males. Then, the female looks for a suitable place to deposit the eggs. Some species can lay few eggs and others can lay thousands of eggs. The male can mate with several females and the females with several males.

Description of the beetles

• They are of different colors like: black, brown, red, yellow.

• They have six long legs that allow them to: dig, run, grab and swim.

• Its size varies according to the species, some measure between 1 mm and 150 mm. Adults can measure up to 20 cm in length.

• They have two sets of wings, one pair in the front and one in the back, to fly they use the wings located in the back.

• They have perfect jaws for biting and chewing, they are usually very large and some species even use them as a defense.

• They have horns that they use to defend their food and their partners, some have big eyes to see well at night.

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The life cycle of these insects is very complex: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Most of them complete their life cycle and become adults in two years. However, there are some that take up to 30 years to complete their cycle.

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How do beetles invade crops?

Adult beetles lay eggs in the ground around the bases of plants. The eggs become larvae that feed on roots and then emerge as second-generation adults.

Crops affected by beetles

The preferred crops are:

• The potato
• The cucumber
• The pumpkin
• The melon
• The cereals

Beetles are generally very aggressive in crops, they can reduce production up to 70%. They grow rapidly, so it is a plague that expands rapidly.

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Symptoms and damage of the beetles in crops

Some species can end up with complete crops, causing significant economic losses. Beetles can be found in forests, in meadows, in caves and even in swamps. Where there is grass or organic waste, these insects will be present.

The larvae feed on the aerial parts of the plant. Descend from the plant to hide on the ground and become a nymph. Adults only eat the leaves.

Adult beetles feed on young stems and branches causing problems in crops, however, the greatest damage is caused by the larvae when they penetrate the roots of the tree and feed on the bark causing the death of young trees while the trees adults are rapidly weakened or even die within one or two years.

Some species are activated only during the night, they make semicircular bites from the edge of the leaves, which reduce the ornamental value of the plant.

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Insecticides and home remedies to combat beetles in crops

• Chemical products can be a great alternative, since there is a wide variety of insecticides on the market, which help us to exterminate many kinds of beetles. These products must be handled with extreme care, since the level of toxicity can affect the health of both people and pets.

• Organic products have become very popular, as they are made of products of nature, such as trees and plants. Most of these products have been considered a great success, of which the most used are neem oil, pyrethrum, rotenone and thorny.

• Traps and mechanical disinsection systems are another effective alternative to control these insects, it is possible to eliminate them from the plant itself. It is important that you wear protective gloves as there are species that cause damage through your sting or other defense systems.

• On the other hand, there are some organisms that can be used to control these insects. As for example, the so-called nematodes, which are predatory bacteria that when ingested by these insects in adulthood, act as a stomach virus, which causes death.

It should be noted that, at times, it may be necessary to repeat this technique to guarantee the total destruction of these insects.

There are also home remedies to exterminate these insects:

• Infusions of mint and laurel: after making this infusion, let it rest for two days. We add the liquid in a spray bottle and sprinkle it in the spaces in which the beetles normally are.

• Water and soap: it is a very simple and accessible solution. Simply mix a little water and soap, add the liquid in a spray bottle and spread it over the beetles, this will leave them dehydrated and they will die quickly.

• Diatomaceous earth: This product affects the mouth, throat and vision of beetle, causing death. You just have to sprinkle it in your garden and in the areas frequented by these insects.

• White vinegar: It is a natural repellent that not only works against beetles, but also against many other pests. It is a non-toxic alternative and very easy to obtain. To use it, you should just pour a little in a container with spray and then spray it on the beetles, until they die.