All About Boxelder Bugs
All the boxelder bug information you need in one handy spot.
Boxelder Bug Facts & Information
Boxelder bugs are black with reddish or orange markings on their back. Adult boxelder bugs have a body shape that is a somewhat flattened and elongated oval and is about half an inch long. They have six legs and two antennae that are typically half of their body length. They are sometimes confused with spotted lanternflies but the two have nothing in common!
In autumn, boxelder bugs become gregarious and congregate on the south side of rocks, trees and buildings where the sun hits. After large masses gather, they migrate to nearby buildings or homes to overwinter. These pests tend to hide in small cracks and crevices in walls to insulate themselves from the cold winter temperatures. In late March to early April, adults leave their overwintering sites to return to their host trees for the warmer months. But many will just hang out in your house because it’s nice and consistently comfy.
In autumn, boxelder bugs become gregarious and congregate on the south side of rocks, trees and buildings where the sun hits. After large masses gather, they migrate to nearby buildings or homes to overwinter. These pests tend to hide in small cracks and crevices in walls to insulate themselves from the cold winter temperatures. In late March to early April, adults leave their overwintering sites to return to their host trees for the warmer months. But many will just hang out in your house because it’s nice and consistently comfy.
How Do I Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs
When getting rid of boxelder bugs that have already entered your home or business, no attempt should be made to kill them in wall voids because dead insect bodies can attract other bugs that like to feed on their carcasses like larder beetles, carpet beetles, etc. Experts recommend waiting until summer when all live overwintering adults are out of the wall voids. To provide temporary relief during this time, consider using a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the boxelder bugs. The bag should be removed to prevent the bugs from escaping.
You can try to prevent boxelder bugs from coming in by sealing up any entryways into the living space – window pulleys, window and door frames, baseboards, etc. For electrical outlets, switch boxes, heating ducts and return air vents, remove the cover plate, seal, and replace. For light fixtures and ceiling fans, remove the fixture to its base plate, seal, and replace.
You can try to prevent boxelder bugs from coming in by sealing up any entryways into the living space – window pulleys, window and door frames, baseboards, etc. For electrical outlets, switch boxes, heating ducts and return air vents, remove the cover plate, seal, and replace. For light fixtures and ceiling fans, remove the fixture to its base plate, seal, and replace.
FAQS ABOUT BOXELDER BUGS
Why are boxelder bugs invading my house?
While they are considered to be an outdoor pest, they are able to infest homes as the result of their need for shelter to overwinter. Your house is warm and dry, so it’s attractive. If you find they’re coming in one spot in particular, have the gaps and cracks sealed by a professional.
Do boxelder bugs bite?
Boxelder bugs are nuisance pests. They do not sting or transmit disease, and are generally not known to bite, though there are rare reports of defensive biting. Boxelder bugs are not known to cause damage to homes or significant damage to plants. However, their feces can stain light colored surfaces.
Should I crush boxelder bugs?
We would advise against crushing boxelder bugs. Not only will they emit a stinky smell, their crushed bodies can leave stains on walls, floors, and even fabric. You’re better off vacuuming them up and tossing the bag.
Will boxelder bugs damage my trees?
Boxelder bugs eat by sucking the juices out of plants. In particular, they feed upon the juice contained in the seeds of boxelder trees and other trees in the maple family. Even in large numbers, boxelder bugs seem to do little damage to these trees.
Are boxelder bugs bad this year?
Unfortunately, boxelder bugs are bad every year! They can easily slip into your home through the thinnest of cracks and crevices. They can even be brought in inadvertently by you – on a bag or package, etc. But bad is a relative term. You don’t want them in your house (bad) but they’re harmless (not as bad!).
Will eating a boxelder bug make my pet sick?
Dogs and cats tend to like to sample ants and other pests. They have a refined palate like that. But don’t fear! Boxelder bugs put out a terrible smell when they are in danger. That smell usually encourages your pet to move on to something else. Even if they do ingest a boxelder bug, they will probably throw it up.
Why Western FOR BOXELDER BUG CONTROL?
We’re passionate about controlling boxelder bugs because we live and work here – it’s our neighborhood, too. With our almost 100 years of experience keeping homes and businesses in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania safe from pests, Western has the experience you can trust.
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