Facts & Information
What are Boxelder Bugs?
Boxelder bugs are a common household pest in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. They are ½ of an inch in length and black with red-rimmed wings. They primarily feed on box elder trees, which is the reason behind their name. They will also feed on ash trees, cherry trees, and maple trees. If you have box elder trees on your property, you are a likely target for a boxelder bug infestation. Even nearby properties could draw these beetles to your home.
Why Do I Have Them?
As the weather gets colder, boxelder bugs will seek out warm places to hibernate over the winter. From September to November, they will attempt to enter your house through cracks around windows and door frames. Boxelder bugs congregate in large groups to bask in sunnier, warm areas alongside buildings and near windows.
Why Should I Be Concerned?
Boxelder bugs are primarily a nuisance pest, especially in late autumn when they seek shelter within our homes. They have been known to bite, causing minor irritation. Boxelder bugs commonly feed on box elder trees and other seed-bearing trees. This feeding may lead to minimal fruit and leaf deformities. Boxelder bugs will also create a stain on furniture and fabric if squished.
Treatment & Control
How Do I Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs?
Inspection
Boxelder bugs can be a tricky pest to eradicate. A licensed pest exterminator will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify problem areas. Because every home is different, our technician will work with you to develop a customized action plan for your situation.
Treatment
Our pest management specialists will treat the exterior foundation, especially around door frames and windows, and interior spaces where they are active to rid your home of these pests.
Prevention
Boxelder bugs are a common pest each year, especially during the autumn in Wisconsin. Our seasonal beetle treatments will protect your home and family year-round against these insects. No contracts are required. We can also seal cracks and openings around the house for further protection.
Inspection
Boxelder bugs can be a tricky pest to eradicate. A licensed pest exterminator will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify problem areas. Because every home is different, our technician will work with you to develop a customized action plan for your situation.
Treatment
Our pest management specialists will treat the exterior foundation, especially around door frames and windows, and interior spaces where they are active to rid your home of these pests.
Prevention
Boxelder bugs are a common pest each year, especially during the autumn in Wisconsin. Our seasonal beetle treatments will protect your home and family year-round against these insects. No contracts are required. We can also seal cracks and openings around the house for further protection.
How Do I Keep Boxelder Bugs Out of My House?
It may be helpful to remove host trees from your property, but boxelder bugs can still fly in from surrounding properties. Boxelder bugs tend to enter homes through small cracks around windows and doors. Proper insulation and sealing of potential openings may help to deter these pests. Repairing damaged window or door screens will also help prevent these beetles from entering your home.