Boxelder bugs often become unwanted guests in homes, especially during certain times of the year. Understanding what attracts these bugs can help you keep them at bay. Known for their black and red or orange markings, boxelder bugs are generally harmless to humans but can be frustrating when they gather in large numbers. Their tendency to seek shelter in homes as the weather cools down makes them a common issue for many homeowners. In this blog, we will discuss what draws boxelder bugs to your home and how to manage their presence.
Why Boxelder Bugs Enter Homes
Seasonal Changes
Boxelders become most active when the weather is transitioning from warm to cool. As temperatures start to slightly lower, these bugs will find some warmth to spend their winters. This made your house an attractive dwelling with its warmth and shadow. These bugs entered your place through small cracks, gaps in windows, or doors and fled from the cold.
Attraction to Boxelder Trees
The main attraction for these bugs is the boxelder tree, although it is more of a type of maple tree. They feed on its seeds, and that is why one often finds these bugs in close proximity to such trees. If one has maple or boxelder trees in the yard, then he is more likely to find these bugs.
Light and Warmth
Boxelder bugs are attracted to sunny, warm spots. They often gather on the south or west sides of buildings where the sun hits most. During colder months, they find ways to enter homes seeking warmth, often congregating in attics, wall voids, or other secluded areas.
Identifying Boxelder Bugs
Physical Characteristics
Box elder bugs are about half an inch long and have dark-coloured bodies marked by lines of red or orange. The vibrant colour of the bug makes it easily visible. They mostly come in large numbers, so the presence is not much of a problem due to quantity.
Common Locations
You might notice these bugs on sunny walls, around windows, or in gardens. Indoors, they tend to gather in warm areas such as near heaters, fireplaces, or in attics.
Preventing Boxelder Bug Infestations
Seal Entry Points
To keep boxelder bugs out, inspect your home for possible entry points. Seal cracks around windows, doors, and foundations. Use weather stripping and caulk to close gaps.
Remove Attractants
If feasible, consider removing boxelder trees from your property. While this might not be an option for everyone, trimming these trees and cleaning up fallen seeds can reduce the attraction.
Professional Pest Control
If boxelder bugs become a recurrent problem, seeking professional help can be beneficial. Many services offer boxelder bug control in Kansas City to manage these pests effectively. Look for local pest control in Kansas City for solutions tailored to your needs.
Mitigating Boxelder Bug Intrusions: Ensuring a Serene Living Space
Though they are harmless, it is sometimes very annoying when these pests enter your house. Knowing what attracts them and thus being able to take preventive actions might help you keep them at bay. Keeping your house sealed as much as possible to prevent their entry, proper management of outdoors, and taking professional pest control only when it gets out of hand can help keep your home bug-free. Make the space pleasant for you and uncomfortable for these periodic visitors by actually putting the discussed methods into practice.
Don’t let boxelder bugs take over your living space. Contact Rock Pest Control today, and let our team of experts provide you with a tailored solution that keeps your home pest-free. Take action now for a comfortable, bug-free environment.