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What Are Boxelder Bugs?
How To Identify Boxelder Bugs
Box Elder bugs are true bugs that belong to the genus Boisea. The most common species is the Boisea trivittata. These insects are black with red or orange markings on their wings and bodies. Adult box elder bugs grow to be about 1/2 an inch long, while nymphs, or baby box elder bugs, are about 1/4 an inch long. These black and red bugs are also known as box elder beetles.
What Do Boxelder Bugs Eat?
Adult and juvenile box elder bugs feed on the boxelder tree's leaves, flowers, and seedpods. They also pierce plant tissue to suck out the sap.
Boxelder bugs are similarly attracted to the pollen and nectar of flowers. They may also be attracted to light, so they may be seen congregating around windows or on porch lights.
What Kind Of Damage Do Boxelder Bugs Cause?
While they do not typically cause significant damage to trees, large numbers of these pests can strip a tree of its foliage. This pest, rather than causing damage, is just an annoyance. Because they congregate in large numbers, you can easily have hundreds up to thousands of boxelder bugs on your hands if you run into a boxelder bug infestation problem. Most people who call for boxelder bug control do so because they can no longer stand these little pests dancing around their feet.
Boxelder Bug Infestation
Box elder bugs generally become a problem in the late summer and early fall when they congregate on the sunny side of buildings in search of a warm place to overwinter. These pests can also be found on trees, fences, and other objects close to buildings. While box elder bugs do not typically enter homes, they can become a nuisance if they find their way inside.
How To Get Rid Of Boxelder Bugs
If you have box elder bugs in your home, you can do a few things to get rid of them. One option is to vacuum them up and dispose of the vacuum bag. You can also try using a shop vac to suck them up and then release them outside. Another option is to drown them by filling a bucket with soapy water and then placing the bugs in it.
The chances are that DIY methods may work momentarily, but for long-term success in eliminating boxelder bugs, it is best to call the professionals. At Insight Pest Solutions Canada, we have the experience and knowledge to get rid of boxelder bugs for good. We will also take steps to prevent them from returning in the future. Contact us today to learn more about our box elder bug control services.
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