Box Elder Bug

Boxelder bugs get their name from the boxelder trees they love to congregate on, but most homeowners recognize them as that nuisance pest that likes to sun itself on porches, exteriors of homes and doors and windows. This insect is native to the Western United States, particularly Nevada where boxelder trees are most plentiful, but it can be found all throughout the US enjoying your maple or ash trees. Though they are mainly outdoor pests, in their large numbers they can become quite bothersome and often make their way inside to annoy you further.

General Information

Boxelder bugs are black with orange or red markings on their backs. These oval shaped insects are about a ½ inch long and feed on leaves and tree seeds where they also lay their eggs all over the branches, leaves and trunks. Large numbers of boxelder bugs feasting on your trees can cause discoloration of the leaves. Occasionally these insects feed on the fruits of plum and apple trees, messing up your delicious harvest. Boxelder bugs do not like the cold and will move to sunny areas of your home during the cooler fall weather or will cluster together with other boxelder bugs in cracks and crevices of your home for warmth in the winter. Though boxelder bugs are not known to bite, their mouthparts can pierce the skin causing a red, itchy welt similar to that of a mosquito bite.

The Signs of an Infestation

When boxelder bugs infest, you will know it because you will see masses of these insects crawling all over your home. They are not solitary insects and group together. The biggest nuisance these insects cause are the stains from their excrement. Boxelder bug feces is a dark orange color and when you have an infestation of these insects in, on or around your home, you may notice many orange spots on the exterior or interior of your home. This is especially troublesome if these insects get inside as they can stain your walls, window curtains and furniture. Removing the stains from your home’s exterior is also quite difficult. While they may not be a dangerous pest, they can be quite destructive to the health of your trees and the appearance of your home inside and out.

Treatment

Removing boxelder bugs from your home can feel exasperating. If you spray or sweep them off your home, they will just come back the next day. Not much deters them, especially if your home has nice, cozy places for them to stay. The first place to start is to ensure your home is completely sealed so they cannot come inside. Once your home is properly sealed, you can work on removing the infestation inside and out but in order to effectively do this, you need professional boxelder bug control. Pointe Pest Control uses safe and effective treatments around the perimeter of your howe to keep boxelder bugs away. These treatments are not only environmentally friendly but non-toxic and safe around your children and pets. Call Pointe Pest Control today to remove these frustrating insects from your home today.