As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, you might notice some uninvited guests trying to make their way into your home. These black and red insects, known as boxelder bugs, often appear in large numbers, seeking shelter from the cold. While they aren’t dangerous, they can be a significant nuisance.
If you’re seeing these pests congregating on the sunny side of your house or sneaking through cracks and crevices, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through what boxelder bugs are, why they’re attracted to your property, and how you can effectively get rid of them. With the right strategy, you can keep your home peaceful and pest-free throughout the fall and winter.
At Patriot Pest Solutions, we have over 50 years of combined experience helping homeowners in Pennsylvania manage and prevent pest infestations. We understand how frustrating it can be to deal with these seasonal invaders, and we’re here to provide the expert solutions you need.
What Are Boxelder Bugs?
Boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) are small, black insects with distinctive red or orange markings on their backs. They are about half an inch long and have a flattened, elongated oval shape. These “true bugs” have specialized mouthparts for piercing and sucking fluids, primarily from their favorite food source: the seeds of female boxelder trees.
While they prefer boxelder trees, they also feed on maple and ash trees. You’ll typically find them in areas where these trees are present. During the spring and summer, they live and breed in these trees, largely unnoticed. It’s only when autumn approaches that they become a nuisance to homeowners.
As temperatures drop, they search for warm places to survive the winter, a behavior known as overwintering. Your home, with its warmth and shelter, becomes an ideal target. They are particularly drawn to the sunny south and west-facing sides of buildings, where they gather in large groups to soak up the heat before finding their way inside.
Why Do I Have Boxelder Bugs?
The presence of boxelder bugs around your property is usually tied to a few key factors. Understanding these can help you pinpoint why your home has become a target and what steps you can take for prevention.
Nearby Host Trees
The most common reason for a boxelder bug infestation is the proximity of female boxelder trees. These trees produce the seed pods that are the primary food source for the bugs. Maple and ash trees can also attract them. If these trees are in your yard or a neighbor’s, you’re more likely to see boxelder bugs.
Warmth and Shelter
As fall arrives, boxelder bugs look for a safe place to overwinter. Your home offers the perfect refuge from the cold. They are attracted to buildings that receive a lot of direct sunlight, especially on the southern and western sides. The heat absorbed by your siding and walls creates a warm, inviting environment for them to gather.
Easy Entry Points
Boxelder bugs are opportunistic and will exploit any opening to get inside. Common entry points include:
- Cracks in the foundation or walls
- Gaps around windows and door frames
- Openings for utility lines, pipes, and vents
- Torn window screens
- Damaged weather stripping
Even the smallest crevice can be enough for these slender bugs to slip through. Once one finds a way in, others are likely to follow.
How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs
Once boxelder bugs have made their way inside, getting rid of them can be a persistent challenge. Here are several effective methods you can use to manage an infestation and prevent future ones.
Seal Entry Points
The most effective long-term solution is to prevent them from entering in the first place. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior and seal any potential entry points.
- Use caulk to fill cracks in the foundation, around windows, and where utility lines enter the house.
- Repair or replace damaged window and door screens.
- Install new weather stripping on doors to ensure a tight seal.
- Add screens to attic and roof vents to block access.
Clean Them Up
For bugs that have already made their way inside, a vacuum cleaner is your best friend. It’s a simple and effective way to remove them without crushing them, which can release a foul odor and cause stains on surfaces. After vacuuming them up, be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside to prevent them from re-entering your home.
Use Soapy Water
A simple mixture of soap and water can be an effective DIY spray for killing boxelder bugs on contact. Mix a few tablespoons of dish soap into a spray bottle filled with water. Spray the solution directly onto any bugs you see, both indoors and outdoors. The soap breaks down their outer shell, causing them to dehydrate. This is a non-toxic option that is safe to use around pets and children.
Remove Host Trees
If you have recurring, severe infestations, you might consider removing female boxelder trees from your property. This eliminates their primary food source and breeding ground. While this is a more drastic measure, it can provide a long-term solution to your boxelder bug problem.
Take Control with Patriot Pest Solutions
Dealing with a persistent boxelder bug problem can be overwhelming. While DIY methods can help, a professional pest control service provides a more comprehensive and lasting solution.
At Patriot Pest Solutions, our veteran-owned, family-operated team has the expertise to tackle your boxelder bug infestation head-on. We use environmentally friendly approaches and customized treatment plans to eliminate pests and prevent them from returning. Our certified technicians will inspect your property, identify entry points, and apply effective treatments to protect your home.
Don’t let boxelder bugs take over your space this fall. Take the first step towards a pest-free home by contacting Patriot Pest Solutions for a free quote.
