In the fall when cooler temperatures hit the area, you may find yourself spending a little more time indoors. You are not the only one looking for a warm place to cozy up when cool weather hits. Many pests also want to overwinter inside your home. One of the most frustrating overwintering pests is the boxelder bug.
Though not dangerous, boxelder bugs are plentiful, and as a result just a few bugs entering your home can quickly grow into an infestation. But, we know what you’re wondering…what are boxelder bugs, how can boxelder infestations be prevented, and how can they be managed? Here are a few key pointers on dealing with boxelder bugs.
What Is a Boxelder Bug?
Boxelder bugs are black in color with reddish-orange markings along their back. Their appearance is slightly similar to stink bugs but are more slender in shape. Like all insects, boxelder bugs have six legs and two antennae.
These little pests get their name from the boxelder trees which serve as their home during the summer. During the fall, homeowners may find them migrating into their homes as the bugs search for a warmer place to spend the winter. Insulated cracks and crevices on any building are a popular place for a boxelder bug to set up winter residence. Despite not being dangerous, boxelder bugs are annoying, and homeowners who do not take decisive action against them will soon have an infestation.
How Do I Know if My Home Is Infested by Boxelder Bugs?
How can you tell if you have a boxelder bug infestation? If you see just one or two boxelder bugs in your home, it may not be an infestation, but if you are seeing them on a regular basis you definitely have a problem.
The biggest sign of a boxelder bug infestation is the bugs themselves, but there are other signs you may notice. Orange feces staining wood in your home is a common sign of an infestation. Buzzing sounds from the bugs can also indicate a problem. If the bugs are crushed, you may notice an unpleasant odor.
If you notice that you have a boxelder bug infestation, you need to act quickly before the bugs take over. Thankfully, they do not bite or carry disease, but they are still unpleasant and you need to take care of them quickly to avoid unwanted hassle. To take care of the problem as quickly as possible, make a call to your local pest control company.
How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs
First, consider whether or not your yard is making boxelder bugs a bigger problem. If you have a boxelder tree, you are providing the bugs with a place to live and breed. Consider removing the host tree from your yard to reduce the problem.
Next, focus on prevention. Before boxelder bugs have a chance to overwinter in the fall, look for cracks in your home’s exterior that need to be sealed to prevent an infestation.If you have boxelder bugs in your home, do not smash or step on them. This will release the bugs’ odor. Instead, vacuum them and empty the vacuum outside.
Unfortunately, even the most diligent homeowner is not going to be able to find every crack and crevice that could be letting boxelder bugs in. after all, you aren’t going to take the time to crawl every inch of your attic or basement looking for cracks. If your infestation is bad enough, you are going to need additional help.
Call a pest control company to help you deal with this nuisance.
Senske offers pest control services, including services for boxelder bug infestation. If you’re dealing with the annoyance of these pesky critters in your home, give Senske a call for prompt, professional action. Soon you will be enjoying a bug-free home, without the frustration of little black and red bugs flying and crawling around your home.
