Are Boxelder bugs harmful? How do we get rid of them?
It’s spring in Toronto, a time when people love going outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather.
Bugs too are emerging out of hibernation as it’s time for them to feed and reproduce.
This spring in Etobicoke and other parts of the GTA there were excessive amounts of boxelder bugs, which was an anomaly, as they are generally abundant and considered a pest in the fall.
Many homeowners have had to call insect control experts to get rid of them from their Toronto homes.
Have they been a pest in or around your home and do you need the services of a good pest control company for boxelder bug removal?
Appearance
The boxelder bug, seen in the photo below, is easily identifiable as it has distinctive markings. It is black with narrow reddish lines on its back and underside. An adult boxelder bug is about ½ inch or 2.5 centimetres long.
Habitat
In the summer, boxelder bugs live on elder, maple and ash trees. They feed on the soft tissue and leaves of those host plants. They are not considered a pest as they do not cause significant damage to their hosts.
In the fall as it gets cooler the boxelder bug, seeking warmth, enters homes in large numbers. They enter through cracks in the walls or any opening that they can find.
During the fall if you notice them entering your home you should seek the assistance of a good pest control company that provides insect control in Toronto to get rid of the boxelder bugs from your home.
In the winter the boxelder bugs remain hidden in the cracks and crevices in walls and other spaces in your home. They sometimes emerge from their cracks on sunny winter days.
In the spring the boxelder bugs emerge from their hideouts in numbers to look for their host trees, feed and lay their eggs.
Are they harmful to humans?
The boxelder bug is not harmful to humans. They are nuisance pests as they generally enter homes in large numbers and many home owners seek pest control experts to eliminate them from their living spaces.
When crushed or killed they emit an usavory scent and their bug juices can stain the paint on walls or fabric. Their excretia also stains your walls and furniture.
On very rare occassions they may puncture human skin causing a slight irritation but are not harmful.
Boxelder Bug Control
Boxelder bug control and boxelder bug removal should be done in the late summer and early fall.
We at Power Pest Control recommend these simple preventative measures in the fall to keep these nuisance pests out of your home:
- If there is an abundant number of boxelder bugs in your area have a pest control professional spray a residual insecticide on exterior walls;
- Caulk windows, doors and all small cracks and crevices to eliminate points of entry where these nuisance bugs can sneak into your home.
Boxelder bug Removal
If these pests have already invaded your home Power Pest Control experts recommend the following:
- Have a pest control professional spray the interior of your home with a residual insecticide. Areas such as baseboards, around doors and window seals and any crevices or cracks where it is suspected that they reside should receive special attention;
- Vacuuming is an possible boxelder bug control option. You can vacuum the bugs with a long hose attachment but remember to get rid of them in a spot where they will not re-enter your home;
- To control the re-entry of the bugs in your home close up and caulk all possible points of access to keep them out permanently!
Contact a Pest Control Expert in Toronto for Boxelder Bug Removal
This spring areas in Etobicoke and other parts of the GTA have been infested by boxelder bugs. At Power Pest Control we have been assisting affected homeowners with the removal and control of boxelder bugs.
As an experienced pest control specialist we will be happy to provide a consultation, recommendations and innovative solutions for boxelder bug removal from your home and property.
As a proud member of an A+ rating with the BBB and having received excellent reviews on Homestars we feel we are well suited to meet your pest control and extermination needs!
You can also find us on Houzz or Facebook so feel free to give us a call at 647-708-7378 to eliminate those pesky boxelder bugs from your home!