What do boxelder bugs look like?
A boxelder bug is easily identified by its black coloration and fiery orange trim. These almond-shaped insects gather together and are often seen with nymphs. Nymphs lack the black coloration at first. There are only three stages of development for a boxelder bug: Egg, nymph, and adult. The adults grow to about ½ of an inch in length. The nymphs are much smaller. Since boxelder bug nymphs are red insects, they're sometimes mistaken for mites or chiggers, even though mites and chiggers are much smaller and have eight legs rather than six.
Do boxelder bugs bite?
Boxelder bugs have the ability to bite, but they usually don't. If you are bitten by one of these insects, the resulting wound will resemble a mosquito bite. It will swell around the bite wound, have a slight rash, feel warm, and itch. Wash the wound and apply a cold compress to minimize the symptoms.
Are boxelder bugs harmful?
In most cases, these bugs are nuisance pests. They're not likely to bite you, and they won't bother most vegetation. However, there are a few unique issues that can arise.
- Boxelder bugs feed on the developing seeds of boxelder, maple, and ash trees, and their feeding can cause leaves to turn yellow.
- They feed on certain types of fruit, which can damage the fruit.
- Boxelder bugs have a bad odor when crushed underfoot.
- When boxelder bugs get inside, they can stain light-colored surfaces and fabrics.
Usually, residents and business owners contact us simply because these pests are an eyesore on exterior surfaces, or they are getting inside and causing a nuisance.
Why do I have boxelder bugs in my home?
There is nothing inside your home that will attract boxelder bugs. They get in by accident, often motivated by dropping temperatures. These pests like to congregate on the sunny side of homes during the fall. While in your home, they may find a gap or crack and climb right in. Since they often hide under the bark of trees, it only makes sense for boxelder bugs to slip underneath the siding and other building materials of your home. They may also slip past damaged or worn-out weatherstripping. If they find an opening, they'll use it.
Where do boxelder bugs go in winter?
Boxelder bugs go into hiding during the winter. In nature, they find many cracks and crevices to hide in. If these insects detect warmth coming out of your home or notice a crack or crevice to hide in, they may overwinter in your home.
Do boxelder bugs lay eggs in houses?
No. Boxelder bugs lay eggs near ample food sources, such as boxelder trees. The interior of your home does not provide food for boxelder bug nymphs, and adult females won't select interior spaces to lay eggs. When you find a lot of boxelder bugs indoors, it isn't because a batch of eggs hatched. It is likely due to a vulnerability that has allowed the insects to enter your home in large numbers.
How do you get rid of boxelder bugs?
Evergreen Pest Solutions, a local Virginia pest control company, offers effective pest control services that eliminate boxelder bugs in Richmond, Charlottesville, and Roanoke, as well as surrounding areas.
Can I prevent boxelder bugs from entering?
Yes. There are a few ways you can address boxelder bugs. You may start by using a vacuum cleaner to suck these insects up and then dispose of the bag in an exterior trash receptacle. Once you have them out of your home, apply pest-proofing to help keep them out.
- Inspect pipes or wire conduits that enter your home and apply expanding foam to seal gaps.
- Inspect your foundation and use mortar or expanding foam to seal cracks.
- Inspect your exterior doors. If you see any gaps, replace your weatherstripping and align double doors.
- Inspect your door and window frames. If you see gaps, fill them by using a caulking gun.
- Inspect your screens. Repair rips, tears, and holes.
Once you've sealed your exterior (or before you do), contact a licensed pest control service provider such as Evergreen Pest Solutions. A service provider will inspect your home, apply professional-grade exclusion materials in key areas, and apply a control material to guard cracks and crevices. We can apply a treatment one time during the fall to help keep boxelder bugs out or provide ongoing pest management that will keep these and other pests out of your home all year long.
Boxelder bugs are minor pests, but the methods used to keep them out will keep other (more harmful) pests out. Contact your Evergreen Pest Solutions service team today to request pest control or pest management service for your home.
