Boxelder Bugs in the Fall: Identification and Control

A boxelder infestation can be stressful. As temperatures drop, these bugs seek shelter inside homes, making them a common fall pest. Their dark-colored bodies and distinctive orange markings are hard to miss, but controlling them can be challenging without the right methods.

The good news is that boxelder bug control is possible with the right steps. By understanding their behavior and taking proactive measures, you can prevent an infestation from invading your home this fall. Our expert team at Terminix of El Paso offers proven solutions for seasonal pest control, ensuring you stay pest-free all season long.

Introduction

As the crisp fall air sets in, many homeowners start noticing an influx of pests inside their homes. One of the most common culprits is the boxelder bug. While these bugs are not dangerous, they can be an annoying nuisance, especially when they invade your living spaces. Knowing how to get rid of boxelder bugs effectively is essential to keeping your home comfortable and pest-free. In this article, we’ll explore how to identify boxelder bugs, the best ways to manage a boxelder infestation, and how to prevent them from coming back this fall.

What Are Boxelder Bugs?

Boxelder bugs are easily identifiable by their black bodies with distinctive orange-red markings. They are typically around ½ inch long and have a flat, oval shape. During the fall, they start seeking warmth and shelter, often clustering on sunny spots on the exterior of homes. While they don’t bite, sting, or carry diseases, their presence can be bothersome, especially when they find their way indoors.

How to Identify Boxelder Bugs

Understanding the appearance and habits of boxelder bugs is the first step to managing an infestation. Here’s how to spot them:

  • Color: Black with orange or red markings, especially on the thorax and wings.
  • Shape: Flat, oval-shaped body, around ½ inch long.
  • Behavior: In the fall, they move toward homes, seeking warmth. You’ll find them resting on the sunny sides of buildings or congregating around windows and door frames.
  • Damage: Boxelder bugs don’t damage structures but can stain surfaces with their bodily fluids, particularly when crushed.

Why Do Boxelder Bugs Invade Homes in Fall?

As fall temperatures drop, boxelder bugs look for places to overwinter. They seek warmth, often gravitating toward the south and west-facing sides of homes. The heat from the sun during the day makes these spots appealing. They may enter your home through tiny cracks or crevices in walls, windows, and doors. Once inside, they can hide in dark, quiet spaces like attics or behind furniture.

Their main goal is survival, but the hassle they cause isn’t worth the price they pay. Once inside, these bugs don’t reproduce but can be quite a nuisance as they start moving around your home.

Effective Boxelder Bug Control

When it comes to boxelder bug control, prevention is key. Here are the most effective ways to stop them from invading your home:

  1. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks where boxelder bugs can enter. Pay attention to window seals, door frames, and foundation gaps. Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal these areas.
  2. Use Insect Screens: Install or repair screens on windows, doors, and vents to keep bugs from entering.
  3. Remove Host Trees: Boxelder bugs often feed on the seeds of boxelder trees, which is how they get their name. While it’s not always practical to remove these trees, reducing the number of trees near your home can help minimize the bugs’ attraction to your space.
  4. Use Pesticides: Apply a residual insecticide around the exterior of your home during the fall to kill any bugs attempting to enter. Always follow product instructions carefully for safety.
  5. Vacuum Them Up: If you see boxelder bugs indoors, use a vacuum cleaner to remove them. Be sure to empty the vacuum immediately afterward to prevent re-infestation.
  6. Consult a Professional: If you’re facing a severe boxelder infestation, it’s best to contact a pest control professional for thorough treatment.

How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs

If you already have a boxelder infestation, it’s important to act quickly. Here are a few steps to tackle the issue:

  • Locate the source: Find where the bugs are entering or nesting inside your home.
  • Vacuum frequently: As you see them inside, vacuum up the bugs and dispose of the bag or contents immediately.
  • Use insecticidal spray: Apply an insecticide around entry points, along baseboards, and in areas where bugs are most active.
  • Call in the experts: If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pest control service to ensure thorough removal.

Seasonal Pest Control at Terminix

At Terminix, we specialize in seasonal pest control, offering tailored solutions to prevent and manage pests like boxelder bugs. Our experts are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to protect your home from a wide range of pests. Whether you’re dealing with fall pests or year-round infestations, we’re here to help. With our proactive approach and effective pest control methods, we’ll help you keep your home pest-free. Trust Terminix to handle your boxelder bug control needs and provide peace of mind throughout the season.

Conclusion

Fall is the time when boxelder bugs start making their way into homes in search of warmth. By understanding how to identify these pests and taking steps to prevent them from entering, you can enjoy a cozy, bug-free home. 

If you do encounter a boxelder infestation, don’t panic—taking immediate action can help get rid of the bugs quickly. Trust Terminix to provide professional boxelder bug control and other seasonal pest control services to keep your home protected from unwanted pests this fall.