What kind of Beetle is this?

Question: I live in Eden Prairie. We have noticed quite a few of these beetles in our back yard this past week. I can see them eating weeds, coming out of my hostas, fighting with eachother/mating? etc. I think there are holes in the ground that weren't there before. Is there an insect spray I can use to kill them?

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied August 19, 2024, 10:22 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. This appears to be the extremely common Black Carpenter Ant. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-2063 The reference gives information on finding the nests which is critical to eradication of related colonies.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 20, 2024, 8:15 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response. I have had carpenter ants in my home when I lived in North Carolina. These are much much larger. I went to the U of MN site and saw the the American oil beetle. They look more like that in size. Sent from my iPhone On Aug 19, 2024, at 9:22 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied August 20, 2024, 11:13 AM EDT
response: There is an oil beetle in MN. Is this like yours  http://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Insects/impressive_meloine_beetle.html#:~:text=They%20are%20found%20on%20the,causes%20blistering%20on%20human%20skin.  They  can exude a toxic substance that causes skin blistering. I am working on an eradication approach

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 20, 2024, 3:00 PM EDT
response: If you find something that will kill them please let me know. Is sevin safe to use?Sent from my iPhone On Aug 20, 2024, at 10:13 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied August 20, 2024, 3:08 PM EDT
response: Here is a guideline from the University of Kentucky. https://www.uky.edu/Ag/PAT/recs/crop/recalf/alfbb.htm#:~:text=Blister%20Beetles%20can%20be%20controlled,within%207%20days%20of%20harvest.  To protect pollinators, try to use the spray around dusk.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 21, 2024, 8:59 AM EDT
response: Thank you. I don’t understand how I got these in my yard. I live in Eden prairie in a neighborhood, not out in a farm or rural area. I did not see these last year. I bought a few trees from gertens this spring but otherwise have not put in anything new except for a few flowers I bought at Bachmans. Will they die over the winter?  I probably killed a few dozen yesterday with my shoe but there are probably hundreds back there I haven’t seen.This spray scares me a bit as far as applying. Can I buy this at a garden store?Thank you. Sent from my iPhone On Aug 20, 2024, at 2:08 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied August 21, 2024, 10:22 AM EDT
response: Dear Mary,  Please do not step on or handle these.  They have a juice inside that can irritate your skin.  Given how many of these beetles you have and your unfamiliarity with using Sevin, I suggest that you call an exterminator for your property.  As part of the U, we cannot recommend specific companies. I found many companies by googling. exterminator eden prairie mn  These are questions you can ask to evaluate the company. https://extension.umn.edu/home-maintenance-and-safety/hiring-pest-control-

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 21, 2024, 12:52 PM EDT
response: Ok. Thank you!! I appreciate your help! I will make a call today. I just wonder where they came from?  Has anyone else had this problem?Sent from my iPhone On Aug 21, 2024, at 9:22 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 21, 2024, 7:36 PM EDT
response: Just an FYI. I called an exterminator and was told they are not allowed to use sevin or any product that could harm pollinators. So I guess we will learn how. Thanks again. Sent from my iPhone On Aug 21, 2024, at 9:22 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied August 21, 2024, 10:45 PM EDT
response: Ask the exterminator what his/her judgement is as to handle the problem.  Sevin would be your option.