Boxelder bugs are a nuisance pest generally found in people’s homes during the colder months. Named after the boxelder tree, where they spend the warmer months feeding and laying eggs, these bugs become quite an unwelcome sight in the winter. They have a tendency to gather in large numbers, then migrate into people’s homes, making infestation an issue for homeowners. Here’s a quick guide to boxelder bugs:
What do they look like?
Boxelder bugs have elongated, flattened bodies with black and red or orange markings. They look like tiny, squished black and red ovals. They’re generally about a half-inch long with six legs and two antennae. They have long, black wings that fold over each other to form an “X” on their backs.
What are their habits?
Boxelder bugs live wherever boxelder trees are found. They emerge from hibernation to feed on the seeds, leaves and sap of the host tree during the summer months. As the weather cools down, they migrate to warmer areas for hibernation. This is when infestation in people’s homes occurs.
Do they cause harm to humans?
Boxelder bugs are a nuisance pest, meaning they don’t cause harm to humans. They don’t bite or spread diseases, but they’re annoying and unsettling to have infesting your home. They leave orange stains when they’re crushed, so they can cause discoloration to fabric, carpet and wood. Other than that, they cause no harm or damage.
What are the signs of an infestation?
Unlike most other pests, boxelder bugs aren’t great at concealing themselves. They’re pretty easy to find and identify. Orange stains are a telltale sign of boxelder bugs. This is because when they’re smashed, they leave behind an orange residue, which attracts other bugs and can cause an infestation to get out of hand. They’re generally found in cracks and crevices near windows where they try to keep warm. So, check these areas for orange stains and boxelder bugs. If you find signs of these bugs, it’s best to contact a pest control team to take care of them.
How can you get rid of or prevent boxelder bugs?
Preventing boxelder bugs involves sealing gaps and cracks in windows, doors and your foundation, as well as installing screen or mesh on windows and sliding exterior doors. Ensuring you have proper insulation and weather stripping is also a must. To get rid of boxelder bugs once you already have them, try sucking them up with the vacuum. Avoid crushing or killing them because that can attract beetles, and you don’t want to swap one pest for another! The only sure-fire way to get rid of a boxelder bug infestation is to contact the professionals. Call your trusted Ankeny pest control team here at Pro-Staff today at (515) 279-7378 or contact us online for a free quote.
