Don’t let these uninvited guests ruin your fall
Everybody loves to stay warm and toasty indoors when it’s raining ice and snow in Missouri. Boxelder bugs are no different. It just so happens that they want to share the same home that we do!
While you might not notice them during the summer months, they can make their presence known when the fall hits. They seek out warm sunny spots around your home, congregating together in large groups. To get away from the cold, they will hide away in cracks and crevices, under siding, and inside your home.
Once inside, they hide in attics, walls, and basements. Though they don’t bite or carry diseases, boxelder bugs can stain walls, curtains, and furniture with their droppings, leaving unsightly marks around your home. They also emit an unpleasant odor when crushed, making clean-up a little bit tricky.
They may not be a serious problem every year, but when they are, they can become quite the headache.
In this article, we’ll explore:
· How to identify boxelder bugs and understand their life cycle
· Effective ways to prevent and remove them
· When and why to contact a pest control service
Identification and Life Cycle
Boxelder bugs are true bugs in the order Hemiptera, and they’re relatively easy to identify once you know what to look for. These insects are about half an inch long, with a black body marked by red or orange lines along their wings and sides. Their long, flat shape and dark coloration can help them blend into surfaces, but up close, their bright markings stand out.
Boxelder bugs feed primarily on boxelder and maple trees. In the spring and summer, you’ll typically find them outdoors, feeding on leaves, flowers, and seeds. Even if you don’t have a boxelder tree in your yard, these pests can fly several miles to find a warm spot to overwinter.
In the spring, adults emerge from their winter hiding places and begin mating. By mid-summer, females lay their eggs on the leaves of female boxelder or maple trees. The eggs hatch into bright red nymphs, which feed on the trees. Despite their numbers, boxelder bugs don’t cause significant damage to trees.
As fall approaches and temperatures drop, both adults and nymphs start looking for shelter, often migrating into homes for warmth. This cycle of feeding and reproduction repeats every year, though boxelder bugs usually go unnoticed until they start moving indoors in the fall.
Keeping boxelder bugs out of your home
If you’re worried about boxelder bugs marching into your home this fall, fortunately, there are some easy things you can do to protect your home. Since they don’t reproduce indoors or cause structural damage, the goal is primarily to keep them out in the first place.
Seal Entry Points: One of the most effective ways to prevent boxelder bugs from getting inside is by sealing up any cracks, gaps, or crevices around your home. Use caulk to seal gaps around windows, doors, and siding. Ensure screens are intact and properly fitted over windows and vents.
Install Weather Stripping: To reduce entry points for bugs, make sure that all doors and windows are equipped with weather stripping, especially around the frames. You can also use door sweeps to block gaps at the base of doors.
Vacuuming: If boxelder bugs have already found their way inside, the easiest way to get rid of them is by vacuuming. Be sure to avoid squashing them, as they can release an unpleasant odor and may leave stains. After vacuuming, empty the vacuum bag or canister to prevent any lingering odor.
Reduce Outdoor Attraction: Boxelder bugs are attracted to boxelder and maple trees, so trimming these trees can help, especially if they are close to your home. Removing seed pods or female boxelder trees may also reduce the population in your yard.
Prevention will help keep your home free from boxelder bugs and several other fall invaders, too!
When to call a pest control company
While DIY methods can help control boxelder bugs in smaller numbers, there are times when calling in a professional pest control company is the best option. If you find yourself dealing with a large infestation that you can’t seem to manage, it’s probably time to seek expert help.
Our professional services at Pest Pro Solutions can provide a variety of options that target boxelder bugs at the source. We can treat areas you may not have access to, such as behind walls or in crawl spaces, and apply insecticides that are more effective than what’s available to the public.
Additionally, we can assess your home for any overlooked entry points or vulnerabilities that might be letting the bugs in. We can create a long-term prevention plan tailored to your specific situation, ensuring that your home stays bug-free in the future.
We understand that calling a professional pest control company can sometimes feel a little unnerving. At Pest Pro Solutions, we make pest control easy and convenient for you. Our professional team of experts has the knowledge and skills to keep boxelder bugs away from your home for good.
Get in touch with us today for a free consultation!
