Why are so many of us afraid of bugs? It’s the fear of the unknown or the concern of insects bites? Maybe a fear of the possibility of an allergic reaction to a bite? No one really knows for sure, but what we do know is that the fear of bugs is common. Take, for example, the Boxelder bug. The Boxelder is a black bug with colorful red accents and is about a half of an inch in length. They are extremely easy to spot because of their bright colors, but there is nothing to be afraid of. These insects do not bite and they do not eat anything in your home!
Boxelder bugs live in large groups that can have hundreds of bugs per group. The Boxelder bug is primarily found around their food of choice, seeds from the boxelder or maple trees. You can find them crawling on the outside walls of your home and even on your bricks. The Boxelder can find its way into your home through holes in your window and doors screens and cracks in the siding of your walls. Having Boxelder bugs in your house can be irritating, but there is nothing to fear.
What is a Boxelder bug? – Boxelder bugs get their common name from the fact that they are often found on and around boxelder trees. This species is native to the western states, but can be found from eastern Canada throughout the eastern United States, and west to eastern Nevada, wherever boxelder trees are found. Boxelder bugs are primarily a nuisance pest as they enter structures, including homes, sheds and garages to overwinter.
What do Boxelder bugs look like? – 
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. Nymphs look similar to the adults but lack wings and are bright red in color.
What are the signs of an infestation – Boxelder bugs generally become a problem when they invade homes, sheds and garages in the fall and when they emerge in the spring. Like many overwintering pests, homeowners may see evidence of these bugs as the winter ends and they leave their overwintering site to go back outdoors.
How to get rid of Boxelder Bugs? – In order to prevent boxelder bugs from invading homes, repair holes in window and door screens, seal cracks and crevices with a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk and install door sweeps to all exterior entrances.
When getting rid of boxelder bugs that have already entered a home, no attempt should be made to kill them in wall voids because dead insect bodies can attract 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. Then, seal up any entryways into the living space, window and door frames, baseboards, etc. – to prevent a future infestation. 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. If a boxelder bug infestation is suspected, a licensed pest control professional should be contacted to evaluate and assess the problem.
What problems can Boxelder bugs cause? – Boxelder bugs can become a significant nuisance when lar groups of them invade homes. They are not known to bite, but their piercing sucking mouthparts can occasionally puncture skin when they are handled, causing a slight irritation, and producing a red spot similar to a mosquito bite. When crushed or handled roughly, boxelder bugs sometimes produce a strong unpleasant smell and their fecal material can leave reddish-orange stains that result on fabric discoloration.
How do I prevent or get rid of boxelder bugs? – To prevent boxelder bugs from invading homes in the fall, repair holes in windows and doors screens, seal cracks and crevices with a quality caulk and install door sweeps to all exterior doors. When attempting to get rid of boxelder bugs that have already entered your home, you should not attempt to kill them on the wall voids because dead boxelder attract larder beetle, us a vacuum cleaner to remove them this may provide temporary relief.
If a boxelder bug infestation is suspected, call the experts let us evaluate and assess your problem.
Call Universal Pest Services at (610)449-0740 and schedule a free inspection today!
Content by pestworld.org