Are Boxelder Bugs Bad: Should You Be Eliminating Them?

Are-Boxelder-Bugs-Bad-Should-You-Be-Eliminating-ThemMost people don’t want to see any bugs in their homes. It’s understandable, you come home to relax, unwind, and enjoy life. The last thing you want to be worrying about is bugs, whether they are carrying disease and if they are likely to walk over you or bite you during the night.

That’s why, if you’re dealing with boxelder bugs you should contact a reputable specialist in pest control and get the problem sorted.

The Boxelder Bug

The boxelder bug originated in North America and is often seen on the boxelder tree; hence the name. It also likes to target ash and maple trees. The bug is approximately 12.5mm long, which’s half-an-inch. It’s dark brown with red markings on the wings.

They are meant to feed on the developing seeds of the boxelder, maple, and ash trees. However, they are also known to eat fruit, you’ll notice where they have been by the dimples and scars on the fruit.

Boxelder bugs enjoy the sunshine. They are known to group together in the summer in warm spaces and simply sit there. Of course, their love of heat does mean they need to search for warmth during the colder months. That’s when they are likely to enter your home.

They will hide in cracks and gaps around your home. However, your heating will warm the space, encouraging them out in the search of food. You may find they are nibbling at your fruit and house plants. They also tend to leave stains on carpets, curtains, and even your sofa. That can be difficult to remove.

Is Elimination The Right Answer?

If you notice these bugs living in your home then you should find out more info from your local experts. It’s a good idea to eliminate them from your home for your own peace of mind. However, you should be aware that when these bugs feel threatened they release a foul odor.

The aim of the smell and the fact it tastes bad is to keep predators away. But, the smell can linger for an extended period of time. That’s why you don’t want to simply squash the bugs, you’ll be reminded of them for some time via the scent.

Instead, you should vacuum them up as you see them. This won’t give them the opportunity to release the smell. At the same time, you should go around your home and seal u any cracks and gaps you find. Pay particular attention to areas around the doors and windows. Sealing up gaps will prevent the bugs from getting in.

Remember, that while boxelder bugs aren’t harmful, dead bugs will attract other bugs, such as the Dermestid beetle which is considerably more destructive. That’s why it’s important to remove all traces of the boxelder bugs as soon as possible. Simply re-homing them outside isn’t enough unless they are a good distance from your home and you have blocked all potential entry and exit points.

One Reply to “Are Boxelder Bugs Bad: Should You Be Eliminating Them?”

  1. This was interesting to read! We have boxelder bugs all around our home and a completely dead boxelder tree in our back yard that needs to be removed in the spring. They are pesky little insects when they cluster up in their sunbathing piles! So gross! Their mating rituals are rather interesting to witness though. But so far, they have not come into my home, thankfully!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

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