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What Are Boxelder Bugs?
Boxelder bugs are fall pests. They are black with red and orange markings along the edge of their wings. Typically measuring around 1/2 inch in length, boxelder bugs have long, flat, oval-shaped bodies.
While boxelder bugs get their name from their main food source, the boxelder tree, they have also been known to feast on ash trees, maple trees, cherry trees, and many other seed-bearing plants. They feed by sucking sap from the leaves, shoots, and seeds of the plant.
These pests lay their eggs in the same areas where they eat. Boxelder bug nymphs are similar to adults, but are bright red in color and lack wings.
Are Boxelder Bugs Harmful?
Generally, boxelder bugs are not harmful or dangerous for humans or pets. The main problem with boxelder bugs in Nashville and Middle Tennessee is that their numbers tend to grow year after year. If they get into your house, they can cause red stains resulting in discoloration on curtains, drapes, clothing, and other resting places.
Why Causes Boxelder Bugs?
If you or your neighbor have certain trees on or near your property, such as boxelders, maples, or ash trees, you may be more likely to encounter a boxelder bug problem in the fall. As the temperatures begin to drop in October, these nuisance pests begin searching for a warm place to spend the winter and often make their way indoors through small cracks and crevices around foundations, windows and doors, or in gaps under the siding.
When boxelder tree buds open in the spring, the adult boxelder bugs emerge from hibernation and fly back to their host trees. If the pests spend the winter in your house, you’ll begin to find them moving around again in the spring.
How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs
Once inside your home, boxelder bugs and other fall pests, such as stink bugs, hide in wall voids, attics, and other concealed areas. Because of this, and because they tend to infest homes in large numbers, getting rid of boxelder bugs is not an easy task.
If you have a problem with boxelder bugs, contact All American Pest Control. Our Perimeter Plus Pest Control program provides quarterly services that will stop boxelder bugs, along with over 47 other pests, from getting into your house.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get rid of boxelder bugs myself?
Do-it-yourself methods to get rid of boxelder bugs are not recommended. Many products available in hardware and box stores contain materials that are simply not effective and can be dangerous if improperly handled.
Your best bet to get rid of boxelder bugs is to contact the Nashville pest control pros at All-American today! We provide services that both eliminate and prevent boxelder bugs so you can get rid of your current problem and rest easy knowing they won’t be a problem in the future. Contact us to schedule your boxelder bug service.
How can I prevent a boxelder bug problem in the future?
Boxelder bugs are determined to enter your home or building in search of a place to overwinter. This makes prevention challenging. Preventative measures include:
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Sealing all possible points of entry, such as cracks in your foundation, gaps around your windows and doors, and holes in your siding.
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Installing screens on windows and doors.
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Creating a highly repellant, long-lasting residual barrier along the outside perimeter of your house with All-American Pest Control.
Many customers choose All-American Pest Control’s Perimeter Plus Pest Control program to ensure fall invaders don’t return. Contact us to learn more.
Why choose All American Pest Control?
Because we've been providing pest control in Nashville and Middle Tennessee for over 60 years, we are the experienced choice for all of your pest control needs. We understand the pests that call this area home and we know what products and techniques are effective in resolving boxelder bug infestations.
With All-American Pest Control, you’ll receive service from trained professionals who provide thorough treatments and a commitment to long-lasting pest protection. Call us to schedule your service or request your free home consultation today.
