Box Elder Bugs

In the late summer and early fall, adult boxelder bugs move into sheltered areas to overwinter. These insects become household pests as they crowd into any cracks and crevices they can find. Eventually, some of them may make their way into wall voids. Although they will not bite man or damage buildings, furnishing, clothing or food, they can spot curtains and walls with fecal material and they will leave a stain if crushed. Boxelder bugs are mainly a nuisance pest because of their presence when crawling and flying around rooms and accumulating in light fixtures.

Boxelder bugs are more common during dry summers. During wet weather, small nymphs are easily drowned. To prevent large fall populations of these insects, young boxelder bugs should be treated in the summer. Sprays should be applied to thoroughly cover infested tree trunks, limbs and foliage.

How to Prepare for Treatment

• If there is a lot of clutter leaning against house would help to move away where box elders are present because we will treat outside walls and foundation
• Seal cracks and opening where they might be able to come inside.
• Once inside it is best to not squish them as they can leave a mess on curtains, but rather vacuum them up

Please note we recommend either the general treatment or the perimeter treatment for control of these pests.