Boxelder Bugs
HOW TO GET RID OF BOXELDER BUGS
Boxelder bugs, commonly referred to as boxelder beetles, can invade your home any time of year. However, they can be a major nuisance in the winter. These bugs, which feed on boxelder trees, maple trees, and other plants, often gather around windowsills and doorways as they search for warmth. Below, we discuss how to get rid of boxelder bugs and why winter is the perfect time to do it.
IS WINTER A GOOD TIME TO GET RID OF BOXELDER BUGS?
Winter is a great time for getting rid of boxelder bugs since they slow down significantly and remain dormant in colder temperatures. During this time, boxelder bugs also tend to congregate in large numbers on the sides of buildings looking for warmth. It is therefore possible to kill numerous bugs at once.
The growth cycle of these insects, who typically have a lifespan of one year, presents another advantage during colder months. The eggs of boxelder bugs typically hatch in the spring, with adults maturing over the winter. If killed during this time, these adults are no longer be able to lay eggs and populate.
WHAT DO BOXELDER BUGS LOOK LIKE?
The first step in getting rid of boxelder bugs is to identify them. These beetle-like insects are easily recognizable: Their bodies are mostly black, with two angled red stripes running along the rear of their back and smaller red stripes in the front. They range from 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch long and have an elongated body.
While boxelder bugs aren’t dangerous, they can cause tiny puncture wounds if provoked or handled too roughly.
WHERE DO BOXELDER BUGS LIVE?
Boxelder bugs are attracted to warm and moist areas and tend to live near spots where they can enter your home – for instance, windowsills, door frames, and garage entrances. They also tend to be found in gutters, attics, and basements.
Because boxelder bugs are attracted to heat, you may also find them in air vents, ducts, or electrical outlets. They can easily squeeze under loose electrical plates, so be sure to remove or replace these.
To prevent boxelder bugs from entering your home, it is a good idea to seal any cracks or crevices with caulk or weather stripping. Make sure that all screens are properly fitted and in good condition so that no bugs can enter through those openings.
It is also important to remove any potential food sources. If you have a boxelder tree on your property, it’s likely attracting boxelder bugs. Be sure to trim the tree regularly and rake up any seed pods as they fall. Keep your yard free of leaves, fallen branches, compost piles, rotting woodpiles, and any other debris where these pests might hide.
Remember, prevention is key: It’s easier to keep boxelder bugs away than to deal with a full-blown infestation.