In the fall, people with box elder populations around their homes and businesses will become all too familiar with their swarming activity. We will explore Box Elder Bugs, where they come from, how to prevent them and most importantly how to get rid of box elder bugs. We will answer questions such as: Do box elder bugs kill trees? And where do box elder bugs come from?
Why Box Elder Bugs Invade Homes
Boxelder bugs like to survive the cooler months in a warm and comfy place. It just so happens that the homes we build have voids, gaps, and spaces that protect them from the elements. These protective spaces even provide them with additional warmth during the harsh winter months.
When Do Box Elder Bugs Appear and Why?
Box Elder Bugs show up in the springtime, where they feed on seeds and leaves of boxelder, ash, and maple trees. The box elder bug lifecycle (egg, nymph, adult) will be observable around their preferred trees. Boxelder bugs typically lay their eggs on the bark of the tree. The nymphs will be red/orange and will show the black wing pads extending across their body as they grow toward adulthood. Boxelder bugs that overwintered in structures will also come out to remind you of their presence in the spring.
During the summer, box elder bugs will mostly stick to the trees. With large populations and close proximity to houses, they may move back and forth among the trees and the structure, depending on whether they want to sunbathe or feed.
Once temperatures drop in the fall, the alternating cool and warm temperatures from night to day will trigger an overwintering mechanism in them. This is an instinctual behavior to find a place to survive the winter and stay until it is time to reproduce and feed again.
During the winter, boxelder bugs will appear inside structures when the warmth from the sun or central heating wakes them out of diapause.
Preventing Box Elder Bug Infestation
Box elder bug pest control starts with prevention. The three main keys to preventing boxelder bugs include:
Manage the trees
- Remove female boxelder trees - This is the primary source of where boxelder bugs come from.
- If removal is not feasible, regular and heavy pruning to reduce seed production
Seal potential entry points
- Cracks and crevices can be caulked or otherwise repaired
- Repair damaged screens and ensure proper fit
- Install door sweeps and ensure existing door sweeps are in proper contact and condition
- Screen vents
Seek professional pest control for proper use of pesticide in the effected areas.
- Greenix pest nerds know box elder bugs best and we use sustainable methods to prevent them now and in the future.
While it would be nice if you could rely on box elder bug predators, there unfortunately are not very many. Arachnids, mantids, birds, and rodents could all feed on them, but they will not consume enough to keep a growing population in check.
Do Boxelder Bugs Kill Trees
No, boxelder bugs are not known to kill trees. They are a nuisance pest and may cause slight yellowing of the leaves of boxelder or maple trees. They are mostly known and disliked for their swarming of homes and businesses in the fall.
Call the Experts for Box Elder Bug Prevention
You don't have to wait for boxelder bugs to appear to call Greenix. Box elder management plans can start at any time, whether you have a box elder infestation already or they're expected to arrive soon. The sooner you get a boxelder bug protection plan in place, the sooner you can rest easy knowing someone is protecting your home and sanity from these annoying creatures.
