LARI: The Black Beetle is Beneficial and Harmless

The Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) reported that the Calisoma black beetle has reappeared this year in large numbers in Arsal and Baalbek and may spread to other Lebanese regions.

According to the institute’s statement, the increase in beetle populations is due to favorable climatic and food conditions in recent years. The current heatwave in Lebanon, following a period of mild and humid weather, has caused the beetles to emerge from the ground in search of shelter and food.

The institute reminds citizens that this insect is harmless and even beneficial, and it provides the following advice:

• Do not kill the beetles in agricultural areas, as they are beneficial and feed on certain agricultural and forest pests.
• Do not touch them, as they may bite in self-defense.
• Turn off lights on balconies, house entrances, and public streets in residential areas, and make sure to tightly close doors and windows, as these beetles are strongly attracted to light.
• Public health insecticides approved by the Ministry of Health may be used in residential areas only if beetles continue to appear in very large numbers despite applying the above guidelines.