If you repeatedly see adult or baby boxelder bugs on your property, it might be because there is food nearby. Boxelder seeds, ash trees, and maple are the primary food sources for boxelder bugs. Once one of these items is available, boxelder bugs will feed on it the entire summer and mate nearby. And once the boxelder bug eggs in your home mature, you will have to hire experts in pest control in Spokane to help you get rid of these bugs, as they invade in large numbers. The best way to locate boxelder bugs is to check first-floor windows, sidewalks, decks, and porches. But how can you identify them if you are unsure what to look for? Let's find out.
Boxelder Bugs Are Easy To Identify
Boxelder bugs grow up to about half an inch long. The overall color of these bugs is black, with three bold reddish-orange stripes across their thoraxes. These stripes overlap when the bugs are at rest to form the letter X. The reddish color is present in the eyes and wraps around the wing edges. Only the immature boxelder bugs (nymphs) are bright red, with wing buds that are black in color.
Boxelder Bugs Invade In Large Numbers
In autumn, when the sun hits, boxelder bugs gather in large numbers on trees, warm rocks, and buildings. Ideally, these pests usually hide in small crevices and cracks in walls to protect themselves from the cold temperatures in winter.
A problem ensues when boxelder bug infestations happen in garages, storage sheds, and homes. Although they are outdoor pests, they can infest homes to find shelter during winter. Outdoors, the pests feed on all sorts of things, including plum, cherry, maple, and peach trees. At winter's end, you will see boxelder bugs returning outdoors.
Factors That Attract Boxelder Bugs To Your Property
There are a variety of things that can attract box elder bugs to your home. But generally, food, mating, and shelter are the top reasons why these pests infest your property. Let us look further into the factors that can attract boxelder bugs in your home:
- Boxelder tree: The boxelder bug derives its name from its dependence on feeding on the boxelder tree. So, if your home accommodates one of these trees, you will attract the boxelder bug.
- Other trees: Boxelder bugs in Spokane also like to feed on other types of trees, like ash, silver maple, apple, plum, and almond trees, instead of living on them.
- Light and warm environments: if your yard gets a lot of sunlight, boxelder bugs will be drawn to it. Think about checking the outside of windows, walls, and porches. In spring, boxelder bugs start emerging as weather conditions get warm.
- Tall buildings and windows: Boxelder bugs like tall buildings with glass because of light reflections as they chase warmth in buildings during winter.
If your home or yard is conducive to attracting boxelder bugs, contact the professionals at JC's Pest Control.
Contact The Pros For The Best Boxelder Bug Control
If you are looking for a permanent way of avoiding boxelder bug bites or getting rid of boxelder bugs, contact JC's Pest Control. Our professional crew offers preventive packages and home pest control solutions to keep your home free of boxelder bugs throughout the year. Certified technicians will assess the infestation and devise a plan to help eliminate boxelder bugs. Hire JC's Pest Control and get customized pest control solutions that meet your budget needs.
If you want to prevent a boxelder bug infestation in your yard, hire the experts in pest control from JC's Pest Control; we service the pest control needs of property owners in Spokane. Our experts will visit your premises to map out your needs and vulnerabilities, identify the root concerns, and apply fast-acting treatments to resolve the pest problem. Contact us for a free estimate or inspection.