These bugs, commonly referred to as diving beetles, (correct name is Cybister tripunctatus) are part of the Dytiscidae family and are a predaceous beetle. They are found in large numbers both on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast and feed on other bugs, small tadpoles & and micro organisms, including mosquito lavae.
With the increased rain and warmer weather, the Gold Coast has been an ideal breeding habitat for mosquitos and as such, there are increased levels of mosquito larvae around. Combine this with our recent tropical weather it is no surprise to see an increased level of these bugs. (Although, not quite to the extent that we are seeing them.)
As diving beetles are great swimmers and strong fliers, they often migrate to the backyard swimming pool looking for other insects and microorganisms for food.
Diving beetles in swimming pools look similar to the common "boatman beetle", but are more predatory, and appear more resistant (whilst not totally defiant) to high chlorine levels as they do not breathe in the water, but store air in their abdomens.
How to get rid of predaceous diving beetles in my pool?
As they fly, simply removing them from the pool wont get rid of them, as they will simply fly back in (when you're not looking).
If you fill a bucket of water, and add a small amount of oil. Remove the beetles from your pool and drop them into the bucket. The oil in the water will cause them to drown.
Tip: They are drawn to light, so at night time, if you put your pool light on, you should be able to catch them a little easier.
The most effective way to prevent these bugs from entering your pool is to remove their food source. Make your swimming pool less attractive to the other bugs and microorganisms that these predators eat.
Remove any plant materials (leaves and debris) that make the pool attractive to other herbivorous bugs and beetles and try to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds. Removing their food source will make your pool less appealing to these predaceous beetles.
Increase chlorine and chemicals
Whilst increasing chlorine levels can help eradicate any unseen microalgae spores, these bugs are fairly resistant to chlorine, and over chlorinating your pool can result in other detrimental affects and harm humans and non-target animals.
Do diving beetles bite?
Whilst they do bite small sections of their prey, and can bite humans, they are generally harmless to humans and are not dangerous. They generally tend to avoid us.
If you have a beetle issue in your backyard swimming pool, reach out to book at appointment with us or call 0432 105 352
