Pest control is a large part of owning a home. Most homeowners forget how necessary pest control is for keeping their homes free and clear of pests and insects. There are a variety of bugs that homeowners would never want to see in their homes. Termites, spiders, cockroaches, and ants are just a few insects that frequently pester a home. However, there are some other insects that you might come across. Boxelder bugs are another pesky insect that can become nuisance pests to homeowners. Do boxelder bugs bite? Typically no, but they do have piercing-sucking mouths that can create a red spot similar to a mosquito bite on your skin.
Let’s take a look below at some more details regarding boxelder bugs.
What Are They?
A boxelder bug is a bug that hangs around the boxelder tree. These bugs are native to the Western United States and Eastern Canada. However, they can also be found in the Eastern United States, and all the way west to Nevada. Wherever you can see a boxelder tree, you will find boxelder bugs. These bugs are notorious for clinging to homes, sheds, and garages.
Where Do They Like To Live?
In the winter, boxelder bugs will seek shelter in your home. Once they have entered your home, they will make their way to your bathtubs, sinks, or even windows. Additionally, you will see them congregating on the floor. Also, boxelder bugs are mess makers. They are known to leave their excrement on your furniture, clothes, and even curtains which stains light-colored surfaces.
Consequently, if you were to crush them, a foul odor is given off. When trapped in a basement or your house, they do eventually die. Also, boxelder bugs do not reproduce while in your home. They look to gain access through your dryer vent, outdoor faucet, soffit, doors, windows, or even ceiling lights. Keep an eye out during the fall as adult boxelder bugs will assemble in large groups on the south side of the boxelder tree, rocks, or building to stay warm in the sun.
How Can I Prevent Them?
Keeping boxelder bugs away from your home can be a complex scenario. Luckily, they can be discarded in a fairly simple way. Let’s take a look below at what you can do to keep them away.
- Identify them – In some cases, boxelder bugs are confused with other similar-looking insects. Be sure to utilize your local pest control company for confirmation before you start your treatments.
- Vacuum them – Believe it or not, if you find boxelder bugs inside your home, you can vacuum them to get rid of boxelder bugs. Once vacuumed up, dispose of the bag. Also, you can freeze the bag to kill the bugs overnight.
- Close all cracks and crevices – Like most other insects, boxelder bugs gain access to your home via cracks and crevices. Be sure to check your caulking and seals around your windows and doors. Re-caulk and fix the weather stripping if needed.
- Keep wood away – Never leave stacks of wood close to the home. Be sure to elevate the wood off the ground and keep it stacked far away.
- Wash them away – Use your house and rinse them away from the exterior of your home. Young boxelder bugs can drown in the water.
- Keep the food source away – Female (female seed-bearing) boxelder trees produce a seed that attracts boxelder bugs. Consider removing the female boxelder tree with a male boxelder tree.
- Pesticide usage – If you decide to use a pesticide, read the manufacturer’s label and be sure to select the least invasive chemical.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you know boxelder bugs do not officially bite, it is a good idea to read up on how often you should have pest control. Establishing a strong pest control service will allow you to live with the peace of mind that insects and pests are going to remain outside of your home.
Next, it might be a good idea to continue reading up on other insects that might bite. One insect that is often found inside your home while it looks for food is sugar ants. Be careful not to touch them, they might just bite. Read up on if sugar ants bite before you work to remove them from your home.
Lastly, if you are experiencing a boxelder bug issue, other bugs may be looking to join you in your home. One bug that is a hot topic is the bed bug. Getting rid of bed bugs can be a difficult task. Be sure to read up on how to get rid of bed bugs and keep them away.
When Do I Call A Professional?
Calling on your local pest control company to control a boxelder bug infestation is key. Make sure that you hire a reputable pest control company to ensure that this is done correctly. You wouldn’t want a company to come out and pretend to treat the area around your home that will keep the boxelder bugs away.
Conclusion
Having the proper pest control is key for controlling any infestation before they occur. Dealing with pests and insects in or around your home is not at the top of any homeowner’s favorite thing-to-do list. Be sure to call on your local pest control team to assist you with your boxelder bug issues. Reach out to AAA pest control to get your boxelder bugs under control in Oakland Park, FL, and the surrounding South Florida areas.