---
title: "Thousands of Darkling Beetles Invade kozhikode Vanimel Home, Forcing Family to Leave"
english_title: "Darkling Beetle Infestation Forces Vanimel Family Out of Home"
publisher: "Truevision English News"
canonical_url: "https://english.truevisionnews.com/news/379113/darkling-beetle-infestation-vanimel-kozhikode-family-home"
published_at: "2026-08-18T22:28:00+05:30"
category: "Big Story"
language: "en"
image: "https://cf.zdn.im/img/truevisionnews.com/0/image-uploads/6a84908f175a2_darkling-beetle-infestation-vanimel-kozhikode-family-home.jpg"
keywords: ["darkling beetle", "Alphitobius diaperinus", "Kerala local news", "poultry farm beetle", "rubber plantation", "pest control"]
---

# Thousands of Darkling Beetles Invade kozhikode Vanimel Home, Forcing Family to Leave

> **Lead Summary:** **Kozhikode:** A family in Vanimel is facing severe hardship after their home was overrun by thousands of small black beetles, making it almost impossible to cook, eat or sleep inside the house. The unusual infestation has continued for more than a month and has forced the family to temporarily move to a relative’s home.

## Article Content

**Kozhikode:** A family in Vanimel is facing severe hardship after their home was overrun by thousands of small black beetles, making it almost impossible to cook, eat or sleep inside the house. The unusual infestation has continued for more than a month and has forced the family to temporarily move to a relative’s home.

The affected house belongs to Mathu of Nelliyullaparambath in Ayyanki, Vanimel. The beetles have reportedly spread across the tiled roof, exterior and interior walls, kitchen, bedrooms, door frames and other parts of the house. With the insects appearing in large numbers, Mathu and her family say they have been unable to continue their normal daily routine.

Mathu and her son Rajeevan are currently staying at a relative’s house as they wait for a solution to the infestation. According to local residents, the beetles appear to have arrived from a nearby rubber plantation. Interestingly, neighbouring concrete houses have reportedly not experienced a similar problem.

Experts have identified the insects as darkling beetles, scientifically known as Alphitobius diaperinus. In Kerala, the species is also commonly known as the poultry farm beetle. These black beetles are generally around 5–6 millimetres long and tend to prefer dark, damp and humid environments.

Old tiled houses located amid plantations can provide suitable conditions for the insects to hide and reproduce. Cracks in wooden structures, spaces beneath roof tiles and other shaded areas may serve as shelter and breeding locations.

Although the beetles are not generally considered poisonous or known for directly attacking people, a large infestation can create hygiene concerns. They can contaminate stored food and grains and may potentially carry bacteria such as Salmonella, making effective pest control important.

Pest-control experts recommend clearing dry leaves, wood pieces and other organic debris from around the house. Cracks and gaps in walls and roofs should also be sealed, while indoor moisture should be reduced as much as possible. In cases of heavy infestation, professional pest-control treatment may be required.

Old tiled houses with poor ventilation and limited sunlight are considered more susceptible to such infestations, particularly in humid surroundings.As the problem has continued for more than a month, Mathu’s family is seeking urgent intervention from the authorities and appropriate measures to eliminate the beetles and make their home safe and habitable again.

### Related Links & Sources
- [Original Story Source](https://english.truevisionnews.com/news/379113/darkling-beetle-infestation-vanimel-kozhikode-family-home)