What do box elder bugs look like?
Boxelder bugs are very recognizable insects due to their coloration and markings. Here’s a description of their appearance:
Adult Boxelder Bugs
-Size -Adult boxelder bugs are approximately ½ inch (12-14 mm) long.
-Color -They have a black body with vivid red or orange markings.
-Wings -The wings lay flat over their bodies and have red or orange edges. They form an X shape when folded, with two long red lines running diagonally along the thorax.
-Thorax -The area behind the head (thorax) has three distinctive red stripes.
-Shape -They have a flattened, elongated body, which is oval in shape.
-Legs and Antennae -Their legs and antennae are black, accenting the overall dark coloration of their bodies.
Nymphs (Juvenile Boxelder Bugs)
-Size -Nymphs are smaller than adults, ranging from 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) to about ¼ inch (6 mm).
– Color -Nymphs are bright red or orange when they first hatch, with no black markings.
-Development -As they mature, black markings begin to appear on their wing pads and thorax.
-Shape -Like the adults, nymphs have a similar elongated shape but are rounder and softer in appearance due to their developing wings.
Behavioral Characteristics
Congregation -Boxelder bugs gather in large groups on warm surfaces, especially on the south and west sides of buildings, as they are attracted to heat and sunlight.
-Flight -They can fly, although they usually do not travel long distances. Their flight is often described as slow and clumsy.
-Scent -When disturbed or crushed, boxelder bugs release a pungent foul odor, which can be a nuisance.
Distinctive Features
-Red Eyes -Boxelder bugs have small red eyes that can be noticed upon close inspection.
-Piercing -Sucking Mouthparts- They have mouthparts designed for piercing and sucking, which they use to feed on plant juices.
How do I figure out where box elder bugs come from?
-Look for the characteristic red lines on the wings and thorax.
-They are often found near boxelder trees, maples, and sunny areas of buildings.
-Note their congregation habits, especially during fall when they gather in large numbers.
How do I get rid of box elder bugs?
Controlling and exterminating boxelder bugs can be challenging, especially when they invade homes in large numbers. Pest control companies offer a variety of solutions to manage and mitigate these pests effectively.
Smart Solutions Pest Control And Wildlife Removal team is highly trained in box elder bug extermination. They will find and treat the source and protect your home or business from box elder bugs invading. They offer eco/friendly pest control treatments, they find the area of the home and yard that really needs to be treated in order to be effective for optimal control of these insects.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the strategies and methods a professional company might employ to control boxelder bugs:
Inspection and Identification
-Thorough Inspection -Pest control professionals begin by performing a detailed inspection of the property to identify areas where boxelder bugs are present and potential entry points.
-Identification of Host Trees
-They will identify boxelder trees or other host trees like maples and ash nearby that may be attracting the bugs.
Exclusion Techniques
-Sealing Entry Points -One of the most effective methods is sealing cracks, crevices, and any other potential entry points on the exterior of the home. This includes around windows, doors, gaps in wood trim, vents, foundations, etc…
-Repairing Screens -Ensuring that window and door screens are intact and fit properly to prevent bugs from entering.
-Door Sweeps and Weather Stripping
-Installing or repairing door sweeps and weather stripping to block gaps where boxelder bugs could enter.
Exterior Treatments
-Insecticidal Sprays -Applying residual insecticides on the exterior walls, around windows, doors, and other potential entry points to deter and repel boxelder bugs. These treatments are usually applied in early fall when the bugs start to seek shelter indoors.
-Barrier Treatments -Creating a perimeter barrier around the foundation and lower parts of the building can prevent bugs from climbing the structure.
Interior Treatments
-Vacuuming -For infestations inside the home, pest control professionals may use vacuums to remove boxelder bugs.
-Insecticide Dusts -Applying insecticide dusts in wall voids, attic spaces, and other hidden areas where they might congregate indoors to help exterminate box elder bugs.
Habitat Modification
-Tree Removal or Pruning -Remove or prune boxelder trees or other plants back from the home can reduce the number of boxelder bugs.
– Debris Removal- Removing excess leaves, woodpiles, and other clutter around the property can help reduce potential hiding spots for the bugs.
Monitoring and Maintenance
-Regular Monitoring -Pest control companies provide regular monitoring services to control box elder bugs, especially during peak seasons.
-Ongoing Treatments-Scheduling regular treatments by signing up for pest control program can help prevent the insects from developing into adults and invading the home.
-Least-Toxic Methods- IPM(Integrated Pest Management) focuses on using the environmentally friendly methods first, such as exclusion and habitat modification, before resorting to chemical controls.
Seasonal Timing
-Early Intervention-Timing treatments in early fall is crucial, as this is when boxelder bugs begin seeking shelter indoors. Preventive repellent treatments at this time can reduce indoor invasions.
-Spring Treatments -In spring, treatments may focus on reducing nymph populations on host trees.
In summary While DIY measures can help manage small infestations, hiring a professional pest control company offers a more effective solution to controlling boxelder bugs. By combining exclusion, treatment, habitat modification and other forms of IPM, professionals can control boxelder bug populations and prevent them from becoming a nuisance in homes, properties and businesses.
