Beat Boxelder bugs can quickly become the bane of your home. These insects enter your home in search of food and shelter, and can soon start causing problems. But with the right knowledge and information, you can beat boxelder bugs at their own game. In this article, you can find out how to identify and effectively prevent boxelder bugs from invading your home.
Identifying Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs are small, blackish-brown insects of the family Jaderidae. They have very easily distinguishable features, namely its bright orange or red lines along its robust body. An adult boxelder bug is about 6-10mm long and 3mm wide, sporting antennae, three pairs of legs and two wings.
Appearance
The typical boxelder bug is identified by its blackish-brown color. The adult has three pairs of legs and two wings, and is usually between 6 and 17 mm in length. Uniquely, the adult boxelder bug has a bright red, orange or yellow line running along its body.
Habitat
Boxelder bugs can be found in gardens, shrubs, under stones, in barns and, unfortunately, in homes. They are known to congregate in large numbers, especially near boxelder trees. They reproduce very quickly, and have the ability to fly up to a quarter of a mile away in search of food.
Diet
Adult boxelder bugs feed on plant matter, while the larval form prefers boxelder tree seeds. The boxelder tree is the only one of these insects’ natural food sources.
Boxelder Bug Prevention
Preventing boxelder bugs from entering and infesting your home is possible through the implementation of simple tasks.
Seal Your Home
Boxelder bugs prefer to enter homes through cracks and open spaces, so make sure to fill any gaps and cracks near windows, doors, walls and any other area to ensure all potential entry points are sealed.
Vacuum
Vacuuming is an effective solution for getting rid of boxelder bugs. Make sure to remove any eggs and larvae that may be present.
Remove Attractions
Remove all boxelder trees or any other flowering or fruiting trees or plants around your home. This will make sure that there are no natural food sources that attract boxelder bugs.
Other Effective Precautions
Other important steps that can be taken to keep boxelder bugs from infesting your home include:
Keep Garbage Tied Up
Make sure to keep all garbage tightly tied and stored away to reduce any food sources for the bugs.
Reduce Moisture
Moisture attracts the bugs and can also lead to faster breeding. Make sure to repair any leaky faucets or pipes, and to regularly remove leaves and debris from around your khome.
Introduce Natural Predators and Insecticides
Introducing natural predators like spiders and ladybugs can be a great way to help keep the population of boxelder bugs in check. Insecticides can also be an effective solution, but make sure to consult with a professional to determine the safest and most effective solution.
People Also Ask
How do you get rid of boxelder bugs?
The most effective methods for getting rid of boxelder bugs include sealing your home from potential entry points, vacuuming to remove eggs and larvae, removing potential food sources by removing boxelder trees, keeping garbage tied up and reducing moisture levels.
Are boxelder bugs dangerous?
Boxelder bugs are not known to be dangerous, since they do not bite or sting humans. However, they can become a nuisance and can cause damage to plants and trees.
What do boxelder bugs eat?
Adult boxelder bugs feed on plant matter, while the larval form prefers boxelder tree seeds.
Do boxelder bugs bite?
No, boxelder bugs do not bite or sting humans.
Are boxelder bugs attracted to light?
Yes, boxelder bugs are attracted to light and can be found congregating in outside lights or around windows and doors.
Final Words
Boxelder bugs can be a nuisance in and around the home. However, with the right knowledge and preventative measures, you can beat boxelder bugs at their own game and keep them from infesting your home. By properly sealing your home, vacuuming regularly, removing attractive food sources and introducing natural predators or insecticides, you can rid your home of this pest.