So, what exactly catches the eye of a Boxelder bug? … Why Are There So Many Boxelder Bugs Around My Home? What attracts boxelder bugs? These carpet beetles may subsequently attack any stored dry goods, woolens, or other natural products in the home. The adult box elder bug is red and black, and about one half inch long. The best time to control them is in the fall and is most effective by sealing openings and the timely use of insecticides They normally do not cause property damage but they can potentially stain surfaces. They’ll typically leave their usual sunning places in favor of food sources. Boxelder bugs are considered “nuisance pests” because they’re not dangerous and can’t inflict serious damage to the plants they feed on. Plants that Attract Troublesome Pests. When attempting to get rid of boxelder bugs that have already entered a home or building, no attempt should be made to kill them in wall voids because dead insect bodies can attract dermestid beetles. This species recently invaded Chile, thus becoming an invasive species. During the change in season, they can become a nuisance to homeowners as they invade in large numbers. All Right Reserved. Their destructive effects are evident when they begin damaging your books, wall papers, furniture and even the carpets. Boxelder bugs are very temperature sensitive, and upon awakening, they’re usually lethargic and cold. It is always interesting when a pest that is designed to live its life outside, in the wild, is so attracted to someone’s (your) home. Tall buildings and structures with many large glass windows also tend to attract boxelders. A warm environment means more activity for the boxelder bugs. One may also ask, what attracts box elder bugs? You probably don’t want to do that, however, so follow these alternative tips instead. When getting rid of boxelder bugs that have already entered a home or building, no attempt should be made to kill them in wall voids because dead insect bodies can attract dermestid beetles (larder beetles, carpet beetles, etc). How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs Outside: 9 Steps (with Pictures) Seeds from trees in the acer genus, including maple, ash, and boxelder trees are boxelder bug’s primary food source. Boxelder bug traps that incorporate light are effective simply because those bugs are attracted to it. They then spend the coldest months of the year overwintering inside wall … First, look for the areas where box elders tend to congregate. To order to warm themselves up and regain their energy, boxelders seek out heat-reflective surfaces. The good news is they are completely harmless, even in large numbers. Boxelders feed almost exclusively on the seeds of boxelder, maple, and ash trees. Crushed boxelder bugs emit a foul odour and can stain structures, while their excrement can stain draperies, furniture, and other linens. They may also secrete a foul-smelling, yellowish liquid when frightened or crushed. Box elder bugs feed principally by sucking juices from the box elder tree, but are sometimes found on other plants (especially maple trees). Glue traps are a somewhat different remedy as they are covered in a sticky substance. Instead of killing them, vacuum up the boxelders you find and throw out the bag when you’re finished. To prepare for fall, you should also look for signs of gaps or cracks near areas where the bugs congregate. Spiders can be too large, often even larger than a boxelder bug. Smashing the bugs will only release the foul-smelling liquid they also release when threatened. The reason boxelder bugs like your house is two-fold. Unless you do something about it! If you have this species of tree in your yard, prepare to also have to deal with the box elder bug. Any form of electricity usually mesmerizes different kinds of pests, and thus, with such a trap, we can to easily gather them and get rid of them permanently. Most household bugs and pests pop up because they detect one or more items in or around your home to eat or live in. Infestations on box elder trees may cause its leaves to yellow and curl or leave spots on stems and new growth. They seek refuge in holes or cracks in doors, walls, windows, etc. Eggs are laid by female western boxelder bugs in the cracks of tree bark during spring. Boxelder bugs are black with reddish or orange markings on their back. Fill a spray bottle with 2 cups of water. Damage to grapes, peaches, and other s… The more you see boxelders during summer, the more likely they’ll attempt to overwinter near you in fall. 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