If you see a massive swarm of red and black insects on the sunny side of your home, you’re dealing with boxelder bugs.
In Idaho Falls, these pests are notorious for gathering in large numbers as soon as temperatures drop. They aren't just sunbathing; they are looking for any tiny crack to move into your walls for the winter.
The most important rule: do not crush them. Boxelder bugs release a foul-smelling liquid that can stain your carpets and actually attract more bugs to the area. Because they travel in large "gangs," a small entry point can lead to hundreds of insects overwintering inside your home.
Preventing an indoor infestation requires a mix of exclusion and exterior barriers. Here are 5 ways to keep boxelder bugs out of your Idaho Falls home this fall.
Boxelder bugs are about a half inch long with flat black oval bodies with orange or red markings, including three stripes on the area right behind the head.
Their wings lay flat over their bodies, overlapping each other to form an ‘X.’
Yuck, right? But as tempting as it is, don’t crush them. They release a stinky liquid that attracts other bugs, and it can stain your walls, carpet, or floor.
Vacuum them up instead, then empty them into a sealed bag, or sweep them out.
Boxelder bugs love gathering on warm surfaces when it’s chilly, so they can soak up warmth. You’ll see them in huge numbers on the sides of buildings.
Once they’re hanging out on the outside of your house, it’s not a big journey to make it inside.
As they bunch up together, they push each other into gaps and cracks, then follow the heat until they make it inside.
You could stand guard outside with brooms, vacuum cleaners, rakes, tarps, and a flame thrower. But who has time for that?
Try these tips:
That’s right, boxelder bugs are named after boxelder trees. They suck sap from the leaves and stems. What do boxelder bugs eat? They really love munching the tree’s seed pods.
If you remove the box elder trees, you’ll reduce the bugs.
Too drastic?
Consider trimming the trees regularly and raking up the seed pods as they fall.
Boxelder bugs enter your house through cracks and other openings during the fall, looking for a cozy winter hangout. Once inside, they multiply and settle in.
Inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks in the foundation or gaps forming in your roof or under your doors.
Fill them to keep pesky bugs out.
Keep boxelder bugs out of your house by sealing any tears or cracks that let them skitter in. Ditto for door seals. Are they tight?
Remember, boxelder bugs love and seek out heat. That means they often sneak into electrical outlets and heating ducts. Make sure your covers are tight.
Perimeter pest control is an outdoor barrier protection that helps prevent boxelder bugs and other insects from entering your Idaho home and foundation.
A late fall treatment will help keep heat-seeking pests from coming inside.
Perimeter pest control focuses on prevention, carrying out insect control before bugs make it into your home and begin to cause problems.
Lawn Buddies technicians spray around the perimeter of your home and yard to send insects packing for about three months.
Technicians typically treat about three feet up the house and six feet out, creating a wide protective barrier that includes the landscaping and lawn directly around your home.
The spray leaves a residue on surfaces that kills insects and remains effective for about three months.
Fall is a great time to pair that outdoor perimeter pest control with an interior pest control treatment, extra protection as bugs try to make their way in or out of the cold.
We’ll deliver your insect control while we’re already on your property for lawn care treatments—no extra hassle for you.
You have enough to worry about without stressing about battalions of boxelder bugs swarming your house.
Let us take care of it.
The first step to taking advantage of Lawn Buddies' perimeter pest control is to sign up for our 6-step complete lawn care program.
You’ll be glad you did.
Choose an Idaho Falls professional lawn care service that makes it easy, bundling your yard’s most-needed treatments into one convenient, no-fuss plan.
Got a few minutes? That’s all you need to get started. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at (208) 656-9131 or read more about our services. Then, you can kick back and relax in your healthy, thriving yard and pest-free home.
Image Source: Tree trimming, Box Elder