Boxelder bugs are a nuisance pest that tends to enter homes in large numbers when temperatures begin to drop. They typically congregate in wall voids and basements where they find comfort throughout wintertime.
Controlling boxelder infestations requires a multi-step process. To begin, check for cracks or other holes in the exterior walls of your home and seal these openings to keep out pests and rodents.
Pest Identification
In the summer months, adults and nymphs of this pest feed on the leaves and seeds of female box elder trees. Occasionally they can also be found on other types of trees like maple or ash.
Fruit tree-harming insects such as whiteflies are not usually harmful to fruit trees; however, they can become an issue when large groups invade buildings in search of warmth and shelter during cold weather. These pests often enter homes through cracks in foundations, siding or around windows and doors for warmth and shelter.
Adult boxelder bugs are black in color with red or orange markings on their wings. They grow to about 1/2 inch long and have specialized mouthparts for feeding.
They lay their eggs on seed pods, the underside of leaves or on stems and branches. Eggs take 10-14 days to hatch; young bugs known as nymphs (bright red with no wings) emerge after hatching after 10-14 days. Nymphs progress through five stages before becoming adult insects after six months – from seed pods to leaves to stems and branches – before becoming fully fledged adults.
Inspection
Boxelder Exterminator provides year-round services to eliminate box elder bug infestations around your home. Their technicians are certified pest control professionals and licensed in the state; they’ll inspect your property, identify where the bugs are coming from, and create a treatment plan for successful removal.
They will also secure any cracks and crevices that could allow intruders, such as windows, doors, and garage screens.
A professional will also ensure all utility accesses are securely sealed so bugs cannot enter, including phone lines, power cables and water lines.
Boxelder bugs are considered an overwintering pest, meaning they will seek shelter in protected places during the winter. While homeowners may not notice them inside their homes during these months, boxelder bugs will emerge again in the springtime.
Treatment
Boxelder bugs often take refuge on sunny sides of houses or trees in autumn and winter to soak up energy from sunlight and warmth. They will also seek out gaps and cracks on the exterior of houses to enter.
Sealing off holes and gaps around your home’s foundation and undereaves are the most effective way to protect it from pests. Weather-strip doors and windows, seal around window frames, plug any potential entry points for utilities and use high quality silicone or latex caulk to completely cover all cracks, crevices in foundations and under eaves.
If these preventive measures don’t work, an exterminator can offer a pesticide treatment in the fall or early winter before temperatures drop. This treatment will eliminate the bugs and stop them from returning to your home.
Prevention
Boxelder bugs migrate to trees and houses during the fall in search of shelter for winter. While they don’t reproduce while in this overwintering state, they can enter your home and become a nuisance if left unchecked.
To prevent boxelder bugs from invading your home, seal all cracks and crevices. Apply a pyrethrin-based insecticide to the foundation, along baseboards, and indoors around window and door casings according to label directions for maximum protection.
These insects can leave reddish-purple stains on curtains and drapes as well as emit a foul odor when crushed or handled. Though not known to bite people, their piercing mouthparts may puncture skin and cause minor irritation.