Distribution and Abundance of Beetles Associated with Human Habitations in Rural Communities of Niger State, North Central Nigeria

Beetles that colonize human dwellings in rural settings are important from both economic and public health perspectives, damaging stored food, clothing, timber structures, and occasionally serving as mechanical carriers of pathogens. Rural communities in Niger State, distributed across both Guinea Savanna and Sudan Savanna agro-ecological zones, represent an under-surveyed context for domestic beetle ecology. This study documents the distribution and abundance of beetle species found in and around human dwellings in three rural LGAs of Niger State, namely Bida, Lapai, and Gurara. Field surveys will involve systematic inspections of 90 households using light traps, sticky traps, and manual collection from kitchens, grain stores, and latrines. Beetles will be identified to family or species level. Associations between beetle abundance and household characteristics (construction material, food storage practices, sanitation) will be assessed using logistic regression. This research provides community-level entomological data that can support rural health and hygiene programs in Niger State. Results are expected to identify Dermestidae, Tenebrionidae, and Curculionidae as dominant families in domestic settings. Pest management recommendations tailored to resource-limited rural households will be included in the final report. Keywords: domestic beetles, rural communities, Niger State, household pests, pest management