S & W Pest Management Inc : Insect Guide

Pest Guide » Occasional Pests » Boxelder Bugs:

Boxelder Bugs
Boisea trivittata
Color: Grayish to black with red stripes on the wings, younger bugs may have bright red abdomens.
Legs: Six
Shape: oval
Size: 1/2"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes

Box Elder Bugs cause concern in the autumn when they gather in considerable numbers on the warm outside walls of homes. But they can also become a problem during the early spring months when they are emerging from their hiding places.

They are attracted to lights and will readily fly in open doors and windows or can gain entry to buildings through cracks or other openings. Indoors, these bugs are a nuisance by their presence, produce a foul odor when crushed and may stain curtains with fecal matter.

Prevention:

Since boxelder bugs feed and reproduce primarily on female boxelder trees, removal of these trees, especially around the house, would eliminate nuisance populations.
Eliminate potential hiding places such as piles of boards, rocks, leaves, grass and other debris close to the house.
Rake leaves and grass away from the foundation in a six- to ten-foot-wide strip, especially on the south and west sides of the structure.
Be sure to caulk and close openings where Boxelder bugs can enter the house such as around light fixtures, doors and windows, unscreened vents, holes in walls around utility pipes or conduits, air conditioners, heat pump lines and through the foundation.
They are also attracted to lights and can fly in open doors or windows. Screen all windows, doors, crawl spaces, exhaust and roof vents and louvers.
Clusters of bugs may be killed by pouring boiling water on them. Be careful to avoid killing grass and other desirable plants with the boiling water.

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