Pest Guide : What are Boxelder Bugs?

What You Need to Know About Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) are insects commonly found in North America, particularly in the western and eastern regions of the United States and Canada. They belong to the family Rhopalidae and are sometimes referred to as maple bugs, because they are often found on or near maple trees, as well as boxelder trees and ash trees. They are also found around other seed-bearing plants.

Because this species can be found around so many plants and trees, they are very common in North America and Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

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How to Identify a Boxelder Bug Infestation

Boxelder Bugs have a distinct appearance.

Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs are about 1/2 inch long, with a distinctive black and red coloring on their bodies. They have a flattened, shield-shaped body and six legs. Boxelder bugs feed on the sap of trees, and can occasionally cause damage to fruits and leaves.

In the fall, boxelder bugs seek out warm places to hibernate during the winter months. They often enter homes and buildings through cracks and crevices in the walls, and can be a nuisance to homeowners.

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Common Questions About Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs may be attracted to your property for a number of reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Presence of boxelder, maple, or ash trees: Boxelder bugs are often found on or near these trees, as they feed on the sap.
  • Warmth: As the weather begins to cool down in the fall, boxelder bugs seek out warm places to hibernate, such as your home or other buildings.
  • Light: Boxelder bugs are attracted to light, and may be more likely to enter your home if there is a bright light on at night.
  • Gaps and cracks in your home's exterior: Boxelder bugs can enter your home through small gaps and cracks in the walls, windows, doors, and other entry points.
  • Previous infestations: If you have had boxelder bugs in your home before, there may be a higher likelihood of them returning.

Boxelder bugs are not harmful to humans or pets and do not bite or sting. However, they do not cause any significant damage to property and can be easily removed by vacuuming or sweeping them up inside your home.

Even so, Boxelder Bugs can be a nuisance, especially if they swarm and hibernate inside your home. If you are finding Box Elder Bugs around your home, it’s time to trust our team of professionals to exterminate the problem once and for all.

 

To prevent boxelder bugs from entering your home, you can take a few steps, such as sealing up any gaps or cracks in the exterior of your home, ensuring that windows and doors are properly sealed, and using screens to cover vents and other openings. Additionally, removing any boxelder, maple, or ash trees near your home may help reduce the presence of boxelder bugs on your property.

Tips for Preventing Boxelder Bugs

  • Seal gaps around your home.
  • Install screens on windows and make sure there are no holes.
  • Install covers and screens over gables and other vents
  • Removing boxelder, maple, or ash trees near your home.
  • Preventative pest control treatments will help protect the exterior of your home to deter Boxelder Bugs
  • Keep foundation, mortar, and weather-protective measures up to date and repaired.

How My Pest Pros Helps Eliminate Boxelder Bugs

Effective Boxelder Bug treatment and prevention starts on the outside of your home. My Pest Pros has more than a decade of protecting homes in Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland from pests including Boxelder Bugs.

Our trained pest experts know the areas to identify potential how Boxelder Bugs can get in your home and help prevent them using EPA-approved products. With an effective treatment plan, our professional team not only eradicates current problems but also provides preventative care. With our protection plans, you can be sure that Boxelder Bugs won't stand a chance.

For ultimate protection, our professionals will work with you to find a customized solution for your ant problem, today and tomorrow.

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