Boxelder Bugs & Stink Bugs

Overwintering Pests

Overwintering Pests such as Boxelder Bugs can be a nuisance as temperatures drop in the Fall. Boxelder Bugs, Stink Bugs, and Asian Lady Beetles (Japanese Beetles) enter your home through cracks, gaps, and other openings in construction joints. We have treatments that control all of these annoying insects.

Boxelder Bugs

Habits

The boxelder bug population lives and thrives on maple and seed-bearing boxelder trees during the warmer months. They lay their eggs and feed on leaves, flowers, and seeds. Occasionally, they will feed on the fruits of plum and apple trees.

Habitat

In autumn, boxelder bugs become gregarious and congregate on the south side of rocks, trees, and buildings where the sun hits. After large masses gather, they migrate to nearby buildings or homes to overwinter.

These pests hide in small cracks and crevices in walls to insulate themselves from the cold winter temperatures. Adults leave their overwintering sites in late March to early April to return to their host trees in the warmer months.

Threats

Boxelder bugs are not known to bite, but their piercing-sucking mouthparts can occasionally puncture the skin, causing a slight irritation and producing a red spot similar to a mosquito bite. When crushed or handled roughly, boxelder bugs may leave a reddish-orange stain from their fecal material that can result in the discoloration of curtains, drapes, clothing, etc.

Boxelder Bug Prevention

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 attempting to eliminate boxelder bugs that have already entered a home or building, no attempt should be made to kill them in wall voids because dead insect bodies can attract dermestid beetles. Instead, using a vacuum cleaner to remove them may provide temporary relief. The bag should be emptied to prevent the bugs from escaping.

Soapy water will kill bugs you directly spray outside, but you’ll grow frustrated from the lack of overall effectiveness. We use a long-lasting product that continues to fight for you. After our treatment, you will often see piles of dead insects on the ground, which reassures you that the product is still working.

Check out our Silver Package for control of all these overwintering pests and more.

Other Overwintering Bugs

For Cluster flies, Stink Bugs, and Asian lady beetles (Japanese Beetles), we can help! Contact us today!