Boxelder bugs are flying black bugs with red stripes that are annoying because they swarm in large numbers.
What Are Boxelder Bugs?
Although it’s not related to cockroaches, it looks a lot like a roach, which many detest.
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When squished, it emits a foul odor.
Adults grow about 1/2-inch long and have black backs with orange or red stripes beginning behind the head.
The wings lay flat over the body overlappingly, forming an X or upside-down V shape.
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The young bugs (nymphs) are only about 1/16-inch long and bright red upon hatching.
They are avid flyers and can often travel for several miles at a time.
What Causes Boxelder Bugs?
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Boxelder bugs are attracted to boxelder trees andsilver maple trees.
Vacuuming is also effective in winter for gathering bugs that have found their way into your home.
Empty the vacuum cleaner bag into the outdoor trash immediately.
Clean Up After Landscaping
Remove piles of rocks, leaves, and other debris around your home.
These areas provide the ideal hiding places for boxelder bugs and warm surfaces that attract them.
Keep the area around the foundations free of leaves and weeds.
Removing long grasses will discourage boxelder bugs.
Spray Exterior With Water
Dislodge bugs from the siding with a forceful spray of water.
Boxelder bugs are easily drowned.
A soapy solution can also kill bugs that make it indoors.
Sweep or vacuum the dead bugs.
The tiniest cracks allow boxelder bugs to put in your walls to escape the cold.
This is most effective when combined with other techniques.
Windows without screens should be equipped with new ones.
Also, verify the weatherstripping around windows and doors and below the garage door is in good condition.
Certain species of stinkbug bear a strong resemblance toB.
Professionals typically apply residual pesticides since homeowners may not be allowed to purchase or handle them.
Be aware, though, that such pesticides will kill all insects, including beneficial pollinators.
The use of toxic chemicals is questionable when controlling a harmless insect.
Boxelder bugs grow about 1/2 inch at their max.
They resemble roaches with black or dark-colored bodies but have distinctive red markings.
Roaches don’t have red markings and can grow much largerup to 1.5 inches.
Boxelder bugs are harmless,while cockroaches may transmit diseases.
As far as humans are concerned, this is one of the most harmless insects.
In rare cases, large numbers of boxelder bugs may do minor damage to houseplants.
These insects live for about a year.
The eggs typically hatch in the spring, and the adults mature to overwinter in a warm spot.
They then lay eggs and die the following spring.
They do not lay eggs indoors but return to the trees to reproduce.
These insects are non-aggressive and rarely bite humans or animals.
However, their piercing-sucking mouthparts can puncture the skin and produce a reaction similar to a mosquito bite.
National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Donkor ES.Cockroaches and food-borne pathogens.Environmental Health Insights.
