Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs often become serious nuisance pests as they move into homes for shelter during fall. Problems are most severe along south and west sides of a home since the bugs tend to move into cracks and crevices in these sun warmed areas. 

Boxelder bugs develops during the warm months on seeds and other plant materials. The first generation usually feeds on seeds produced by boxelder or occasionally other maple or ash trees. Boxelder bugs sometimes feed on ground cover plants and some other plants but cause little damage. They also eat dead insects. 

IDENTIFICATION

Adult boxelder bugs are about 1/2” long, dark brown or black with conspicuous red markings. Immature boxelder bugs are smaller and a solid bright red color. Only the adults are capable of overwintering successfully. 

NON-CHEMICAL CONTROL STEPS TO HELP YOU WITH BOXELDER BUGS

Physical removal with a vacuum is the best. Also caulking with paintable silicon around doors, windows, pipes and light fixtures will help. 

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Evaluation

Identification of the pest is crucial for the correct prescription treatment and will reduce the unnecessary use of pesticides.
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Set Action Thresholds

An Action Threshold is the pest population level at which the pest's presences is a :Nuisance, Health Hazard; or Economic Threat
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Pest Prevention

As a first line of pest control, habitat modification is one very effective and cost-efficient strategy that presents little of no risk to people or the environment.
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Pest Control

Control methods will be determined on the pest management evaluation and prevention.
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