Property Owners' Guide To Boxelder Bug Control

Boxelder bugs are aptly named based on their attraction to boxelder trees, found in various parts of the U.S. and Canada. Often mistaken for stink bugs, these pests have a flat body measuring roughly ½ inch long and appear black with distinctive red or orange markings. Boxelder bugs predominately feed on seeds and leaves, as well as fruits to a lesser extent. In homes, boxelder bugs often are seen near houseplants seeking water.

Are Boxelder Bugs Dangerous? 

Although very unlikely, boxelder bugs can bite, but they are not a threat to human health. They will create stains on walls, furniture, or other surfaces that result from their excrement. Boxelder bugs generally will not reproduce indoors; however, they often seek refuge in homes and other structures during the colder months.

Best Practices For Preventing Boxelder Bugs 

Here are a few tips to help you keep boxelder bugs out of your Montgomery property:

• Fill any cracks in the foundational structure using a durable caulk or sealant to prevent entry.
• Fix any damaged window screens and install sweeps on the base of exterior doors.
• Use a vacuum for sucking up boxelder bugs, and be sure to empty the canister contents into a durable bag for disposal.
• A powerful garden hose may effectively spray away clusters of bugs on trees or other exterior areas near the home.

Do DIY Treatments Work on Boxelder Bugs? 

Property owners often respond to the presence of pests by searching the internet for home remedies that are mainly mythical and farfetched. Several weeks later, many of these individuals face the reality that these efforts were fruitless and that the critters have been busily reproducing, making the problem exponentially worse. 

 

Others try do-it-yourself treatment options sold at local home improvement stores marketed as a fast and easy solution. Many of these products, such as aerosol sprays, traps, and granular concentrates, are only capable of generating negligible and short-term results because they fail to eradicate the pests that are located deep within walls, duct systems, and other hard-to-reach locations. The best initial response to a pest-related concern involves speaking with an established pest controller to assess the situation and implement a comprehensive solution accurately. 

Trust The Leading Local Pest Control Company 

In addition to boxelder bugs, the staff with Bill Clark Pest Control has continued to deliver results in homes, businesses, and industrial environments facing intrusions from ants, bed bugs, rodents, mosquitoes, and many other problematic and potentially harmful pests. Our team comprises many Certified Applicators who have fulfilled the licensing requirements necessary and proven capable of eradicating, excluding, sanitizing, and making structural modifications when necessary to get the job done.