Boxelder bugs are named for the fact that they are frequently seen on and near boxelder trees. Adults are black with three prominent orange or red stripes, the first centered behind its head and the other two running down the sides of its body, and are the stage most commonly observed in houses. The abdomen of an adult is likewise orange. It has black wings that span over its back and are about 1/2 inch long. Eggs are yellow and crowded in bunches on leaves, seedpods of boxelder trees, and ground vegetation, and they continue to redden as the nymph grows. Nymphs go through five phases before maturing and turning crimson. Adults are frequently mistaken for stink bugs, which they closely resemble.
Invasion of homes, sheds, and garages in the autumn and emergence in the spring are when boxelder bugs become a nuisance. As with many overwintering pests, homeowners may see traces of these bugs as the winter draws to a close and they return to their overwintering spot.
This species of beetles is native to the western states, although it may be found in some parts of eastern United States, as well as west to eastern Nevada, where boxelder trees can be found. Boxelder bugs are mostly causing a lot of nuisance being a pest because they overwinter in buildings such as houses, sheds, and garages.
Boxelder bugs have no venom and do not hurt, hence they are considered harmless. If your pet eats one, it will almost certainly be the final time. Boxelders have an unpleasant flavor that causes dogs and cats to vomit.
The easiest approach to deal with boxelder bugs is to prevent them from entering your house in the first place. This is accomplished by securing probable access points around the house and applying an insecticide at the appropriate time. When boxelder bugs are discovered inside, the simplest way to get rid of them is to use a vacuum or a broom and dustpan. It is impractical to try to prevent them from emerging by treating wall cavities and other hiding spots. Insecticides aren’t suggested once they’ve made their way into a home since they don’t survive very long.
Boxelder bugs cannot be controlled by spraying pesticides or removing boxelder trees from your yard. Adult boxelder bugs may travel up to two miles from their food supply, so they don’t need to be near trees to infest your home.