READY TO GET STARTED?
REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE
Fill out the form below or call (888) 466-7849 for a free, no-obligation estimate.
Fill out the form below or call (888) 466-7849 for a free, no-obligation estimate.
Oct 31, 2024 | Pest Control | 0 comments
Boxelder bugs may not be the most harmful pests, but they can become a nuisance, especially when they show up in large numbers. These bright red and black insects tend to gather on the sunny sides of buildings, making them hard to ignore. While they don’t typically cause significant damage, it’s essential to know how to manage their presence around your home. This blog answers frequently asked questions about boxelder bugs and provides information on how to prevent them from becoming a problem.
Boxelder bugs are insects that are easily recognizable by their black bodies with bright red or orange markings on their wings and edges. They measure about half an inch long and have an elongated, somewhat flat body. These bugs are most commonly associated with boxelder trees, but they can also be found near other trees like maples and ash.
As their name suggests, boxelder bugs are often found on or near boxelder trees. However, you might also find them around maple and ash trees. During warm months, they live outdoors, feeding on seeds, leaves, and fruits of these trees. When temperatures drop, they seek warmth by congregating on the sunny sides of buildings, eventually finding their way inside homes through cracks and crevices. They are particularly common in the fall when they start to seek shelter for the winter.
Boxelder bugs are generally not harmful to humans or pets. Do boxelder bugs bite? No, they do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases. However, they can be a nuisance when they invade homes in large numbers. They don’t cause structural damage, but their droppings can stain walls, fabrics, and other household surfaces. In rare cases, boxelder bugs may damage young plants by feeding on their leaves, but this is not common.
Boxelder bugs primarily feed on the seeds, leaves, and flowers of boxelder, maple, and ash trees. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract juices from the trees’ leaves and seeds. While their feeding does not generally harm mature trees, it can cause minor cosmetic damage, such as leaf discoloration or wilting.
No, boxelder bugs do not lay eggs inside homes. During the warmer months, they lay eggs on the leaves, bark, and seeds of boxelder and other host trees. The eggs are red or rust-colored and hatch into nymphs, which are bright red and look like smaller versions of the adult bugs. Although they may enter homes to escape the cold, they do not breed indoors.
Preventing boxelder bugs from entering your home starts with sealing entry points. Inspect windows, doors, and other potential entryways for cracks and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good condition.
To further deter these pests, it’s a good idea to remove boxelder trees from around your home or prune any branches that are close to the house. Since boxelder bugs are attracted to warmth, you might notice them gathering on the sunny side of your home. A strong spray of water can knock them off walls and discourage them from congregating.
If you’re dealing with large numbers of boxelder bugs, vacuuming them up is an effective way to remove them from inside your home. If you notice them on your walls, ceilings, or windowsills, use a vacuum to capture and dispose of them. You can also sweep them up or use a damp cloth to wipe away smaller infestations.
For outdoor infestations, a solution of water and mild dish soap can be sprayed directly on the bugs to kill them. Be sure to target them on warm surfaces like the sides of your home or near entry points.
While boxelder bugs are not dangerous, having them in large numbers can be overwhelming, especially if they invade your home. If you’re struggling to control an infestation, contacting a pest control company is a smart decision. Professional pest control experts can help identify and seal entry points, apply targeted treatments, and provide ongoing prevention strategies to keep boxelder bugs and other pests out of your home.
Although boxelder bugs are not typically harmful, they can become a nuisance, especially when they gather in large numbers. Preventing their entry into your home and managing their presence outdoors is key to avoiding the problems they can cause. If you need help with an infestation or have concerns about these pests, contact a local pest control company to get expert assistance and keep your home pest-free.