In late March to early April, adults leave their overwintering sites to return to their host trees for the warmer months.īoxelder bugs are not known to bite, but their piercing-sucking mouthparts can occasionally puncture skin, causing a slight irritation and producing a red spot similar to a mosquito bite.
These pests tend to hide in small cracks and crevices in walls to insulate themselves from the cold winter temperatures. After large masses gather, they migrate to nearby buildings or homes to overwinter. In autumn, boxelder bugs become gregarious and congregate on the south side of rocks, trees and buildings where the sun hits. When crushed or handled roughly, boxelder bugs can also produce a strong, disagreeable odor. Inside, boxelder bugs are primarily a nuisance pest, however their fecal material can cause a red stain on curtains, drapes, clothing, etc. In the fall, boxelder bugs become gregarious and congregate on the south side of rocks, trees and buildings where the sun hits. There are two generations per year in the warmer regions of the United States. The nymphs feed on fallen boxelder seeds and later on new leaves. The eggs turn red as the embryos develop and hatch about two weeks later.
The females lay clusters of straw-yellow eggs on stones, eaves, grass, shrubs and trees – especially in the bark crevices of boxelder trees. Occasionally, boxelder bugs will feed on the fruits of plum and apple trees. They first feed on fallen boxelder seeds and later move to the female boxelder trees or maple trees where they eat newly developing leaves. During this time, the adults leave their overwintering sites to return to their host trees for the warmer months. Overwintering adult boxelder bugs emerge from hibernation in late March to early April when the boxelder buds open.
If a boxelder bug infestation is suspected, a licensed pest control professional should be contacted to evaluate and assess the problem. For light fixtures and ceiling fans, remove the fixture to its base plate, seal and replace. For electrical outlets, switch boxes, heating ducts and return air vents, remove the coverplate, seal and replace.
Then, seal up any entryways into the living space – window pulleys, window and door frames, baseboards, etc. The bag should be removed to prevent the bugs from escaping. To provide temporary relief during this time, consider using a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the boxelder bugs. Experts recommend waiting until summer when all live overwintering adults are out of the wall voids. When getting rid of boxelder bugs that have already entered a home or building, no attempt should be made to kill them in wall voids because dead insect bodies can attract dermestid beetles (larder beetles, carpet beetles, etc).
In order to prevent boxelder bugs from invading homes, repair holes in window and door screens, seal cracks and crevices with a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk and install door sweeps to all exterior entrances.