Boxelder bugs have a unique name and an even more unique appearance. These small bugs like to travel in large groups, so you rarely see only one boxelder bug around your home. If you do happen to only see one of these bugs, you should have your home inspected by a professional Pocatello pest control specialist to make sure that there are not a lot more hiding somewhere in your home.
At Falls Pest Services, we are committed to making every home in this area pest-free. Our local pest control technicians know how to help you eradicate these foul-smelling bugs from your home and keep them away for good.
Key Characteristics Of Boxelder Bugs: How To Identify Them
Boxelder bugs are small bugs that only measure around ½ inch when they reach full maturity. Their bodies are oval-shaped; young boxelder bugs are reddish-orange, while adult bugs have black bodies with orange markings. Adult bugs also have wings and can fly. They have six long legs and two long antennae that benefit them but make their appearance seem even more unique.
Boxelder bugs in Pocatello like to eat a variety of fruits, plants, and trees. In fact, they get their name from the boxelder tree, which is a tree that will typically have a large number of these bugs climbing all over it. However, they are also commonly found in peach, plum, and cherry trees.
The Risks Of Boxelder Bug Infestations: Why You Should Take Action
The problem with boxelder bugs is that they are extremely invasive. You will rarely see just one of these bugs by itself. If boxelder bugs invade your property, you will soon find them everywhere, including in your yard, home, and outdoor storage buildings. These little bugs can bite if they feel threatened, but it is extremely rare for a human to be bitten by a boxelder bug. These bugs are mainly just nuisance pests. They cannot spread diseases, don’t have stingers or venom, and are not known to cause a massive amount of property damage.
However, they are known to cause damage to certain flowers, trees, and plants around your yard. Once the weather starts to cool down outside, they will try to overwinter inside your home. If you have a severe boxelder bug infestation, you may notice that your walls, furniture, and curtains will become stained with urine and droppings.
When dealing with these bugs, you should get the help of a professional pest control specialist with experience with boxelder bugs. When you kill a boxelder bug by smashing it, it will release a foul-smelling odor. If you want to eliminate them quickly, a professional can help you without making your home smell bad.
Boxelder Bug Prevention: Effective Strategies For Keeping Them At Bay
Boxelder bugs are small and have slender bodies that allow them to easily slip through small openings. If you want to prevent a boxelder bug infestation in your home, some of the things that you can do include:
- Place weather strippings around your doors and windows.
- Install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
- Seal up any cracks or crevices that you have around your home.
- Repair any door or window screens that are torn or damaged.
Boxelder bugs like to live outdoors during the summer months. However, once the weather starts to cool off, these bugs will try to hide in your home to wait out the cold temperatures.
Boxelder Bug Extermination: How To Eliminate An Infestation
If you see boxelder bugs around your home, don’t hesitate to call our professionals at Falls Pest Services today. Professional intervention is the quickest and most effective way to eliminate these bugs from your Pocatello home.