Introduction
Boxelder bugs are seasonal pests that often show up in large numbers, especially during fall and spring. While they aren’t dangerous to humans or pets, their presence in and around homes can be frustrating. Known for gathering on sunny walls and sneaking indoors, boxelder bugs are a nuisance you’ll want to keep out.
What Are Boxelder Bugs?
Boxelder bugs are black insects with orange or red markings along their bodies and wings. They’re about half an inch long and have a flat, elongated shape. These bugs belong to the true bug family and get their name from the boxelder tree, one of their primary food sources.
Why Boxelder Bugs Invade Homes and Yards
Boxelder bugs are most noticeable in fall when they gather in large numbers on the sunny sides of buildings, seeking warmth. They often squeeze through cracks and gaps to overwinter indoors. In spring, they reappear inside homes as they try to return outdoors. While boxelder bugs don’t bite, sting, or cause structural damage, they can stain surfaces and emit a foul odor when crushed.
Where You’ll Find Them
- On the sunny exterior walls of homes
- Around boxelder, maple, and ash trees
- In window frames, siding, doors, and roof eaves
- Inside attics, basements, and wall voids during colder months
Problems Caused by Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs aren’t harmful, but they’re annoying in large numbers. Indoors, they can stain curtains, walls, or upholstery with their excrement. Outdoors, they cluster in unsightly groups and can be hard to remove. While they don’t reproduce indoors, their presence alone can be enough to frustrate homeowners.
DIY Tips to Prevent Boxelder Bugs
To keep boxelder bugs from becoming a problem, start by sealing cracks, gaps, and openings around windows, doors, siding, and vents. Repair damaged screens and add weather stripping where needed. Removing female boxelder trees near your home can reduce their numbers, as these trees are a key food source. A mix of dish soap and water sprayed directly on boxelder bugs can kill them on contact. Vacuuming them up is also an effective indoor solution, just be sure to empty the vacuum immediately.
Fun Facts About Boxelder Bugs
- They mainly feed on boxelder and maple trees.
- Boxelder bugs release a smelly liquid when crushed.
- They don’t reproduce indoors, only outside during warmer months.
- Their red-orange markings help identify them easily.
- They prefer warm surfaces and sunny spots.
When to Call in the Pros
If boxelder bugs return every year or become overwhelming, professional treatment may be needed. Yard Armour by Lawn Doctor offers the best treatments that help reduce boxelder bug populations around your home and prevent them from returning. Our technicians apply barrier sprays and customized solutions to keep your property bug-free all season long.
Conclusion
Boxelder bugs may not be dangerous, but they can still be a major nuisance, especially when they invade your home by the dozens. With simple prevention steps and professional help from Yard Armour by Lawn Doctor, you can protect your space and enjoy a cleaner, more comfortable home and yard.
