Astana flooded with black beetles - specialists explain what is happening

Tengrinews.kz — Astana residents are taking to social media to complain about unusual insects. According to locals, black beetles are finding their way into apartments even on higher floors. A Tengrinews.kz correspondent looked into what these insects are and whether there is any cause for concern.
Mysterious capital beetles — or cockroaches?
This month, Threads has been flooded with posts and comments about mysterious insects that are unsettling residents of Astana.
One resident reported that despite living on a high floor of a residential complex, an uninvited guest managed to make its way inside.
The comment sections are filled with stories from others who have encountered similar situations.
Screenshot from Threads
Screenshot from Threads
Another Threads user described the situation as a "cockroach invasion," noting that based on his observations, the insects are most frequently seen along Mangilik El Avenue and Bukhar Zhyrau Street.
Screenshot from Threads
Some commenters corrected him, stating that they are beetles, not cockroaches, and are reportedly currently in the middle of their mating season.
What the experts say
According to the Department of Environmental Protection and Nature Management, the posts refer to black ground beetles. These insects are not considered pests, and therefore, the city does not conduct any special treatments against them.

"These insects are not classified as pests of sanitary and epidemiological significance; they pose no threat to public health and are not subject to planned extermination measures. Their mass appearance is a temporary seasonal phenomenon driven by natural migration," the department explained.

Experts observed that the insect population typically decreases naturally within a week and a half to two weeks without the need for chemical intervention.
What are black ground beetles?
Black ground beetles are large insects from the Carabidae family, commonly found in gardens, parks, forests, and rural plots. They are usually black or dark bronze in color and are known for being fast runners.
Most ground beetles are predators. They feed on slugs, snails, caterpillars, insect larvae, aphids, and other pests, and occasionally earthworms.
Some species may also feed on plant seeds.
Ground beetles do not bite humans, are not venomous, and do not carry dangerous diseases. If handled, a beetle may secrete a pungent fluid as a defense mechanism, but this is generally harmless to humans—simply washing one's hands is sufficient.
What are their benefits?
Ground beetles are considered some of the most beneficial insects for gardens and farms. They help naturally reduce pest populations, earning them the nickname nature's crop protectors. Their presence allows for a reduction in the use of chemical pesticides.
Simply put, if you see a black ground beetle on your property, you are looking at a helpful ally rather than a pest.
Earlier, residents of Aktobe also began reporting a mass invasion of black beetles. The insects swarmed yards and parks, entering homes and apartments even through mosquito nets. Local authorities explained that mass appearances and migrations of these beetles can occur after prolonged rainfall due to excessive soil moisture and changes in their habitat conditions.