Boxelder Bugs

What do boxelder bugs look like?

Boxelder bugs in homes are often referred to as Halloween bugs due to their black and orange coloring. Young boxelder bugs look very similar to the adults but are wingless, bright red in color, and, of course, are much smaller in size. As the nymphs mature into adults, they grow to about ½ an inch in length, develop wings that overlap into an "x-shape" when at rest, their oval-shaped bodies change from a bright red color to a dark brownish-black color, and their wings are outlined in a reddish-orange color. They also develop three orange longitudinal stripes on their thorax and a reddish-orange abdomen.

Are boxelder bugs dangerous?

Boxelder bugs are not considered to be dangerous to people - they don’t bite or sting and aren’t known to cause any health consequences. Instead, boxelder bugs are considered nuisance pests. During the spring, summer, and early fall months, these insects can be found outside using their specialized mouthparts to feed on the leaves, stems, and other parts of seed-bearing trees such as boxelder trees, maple trees, and ash trees along with apple, cherry, and plum trees. When boxelder bugs find their way into a home they can become a huge nuisance. These pests have the potential to cause staining on walls, upholstery, curtains, and similar items after being accidentally or purposely squished.

 Why do I have a boxelder bug problem?

Boxelder bugs typically only become a problem for homeowners in the late fall which is the time of year when these insects gather in large numbers on the sunny southern sides of homes and other structures, seeking the warmth of the sun. They then take advantage of any cracks, crevices, or other openings that they find to make their way into homes in order to overwinter inside them. Boxelder bugs tend to overwinter in places like attics, behind wall voids, in crawl spaces, and underneath floors. These pests will then emerge from their overwintering spots in the spring and move back outdoors to feed and breed.

How do I get rid of boxelder bugs?

For effective boxelder bug control in Tulsa, contact Montgomery Exterminating! Our residential and commercial pest control technicians have the knowledge and experience needed to find all of the boxelder bugs living inside your home and to implement a treatment plan to result in their complete elimination as well as future prevention. Reach out today to learn more about our boxelder bug exterminating services.

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