Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) are named for their primary host, the boxelder tree. One of the less destructive agricultural pests, boxelder bugs do infrequent damage to apples, peaches, grapes, strawberries, plums and non-fruiting trees including maple and ash. A bigger nuisance to homeowners, they seek and enter houses in colonies of hundreds, even thousands of insects as cold weather approaches, congregating in walls and warm basements, making themselves at home all through winter and occasionally emerging into kitchens, living rooms, bed rooms and other human-inhabited spaces. There’s nothing like watching your toddler bring a stray, otherwise harmless boxelder bug that’s making its way across the carpet up to her mouth. It’s an experiment children won’t likely repeat. Boxelder bugs, though mostly scentless, give off a pungent odor when disturbed or crushed. Also offensive: the accumulation of excrement and dead bugs that fall from the colonies inside walls and other hard-to-access places.
Boxelder bugs are sap suckers, penetrating plant tissue with their considerable proboscis and using secretions to make it consumable. They almost exclusively feed on the acer family of maple trees and vines that includes the boxelder and its spinning “helicopter” seed pods, but have also been known to feed on fruit during dry summers. Infestations on box elder trees may cause its leaves to yellow and curl or leave spots on stems and new growth. Most trees survive. Damage to grapes, peaches, and other soft fruits is mostly cosmetic, appearing as depressions, sometimes as bruises. While a nuisance, boxelder bugs do relatively little damage to fruit crops, preferring to feed and procreate in its namesake tree.
Indoors, the bugs can be a major problem. While they don’t normally cause structural damage to homes or contaminate food sources (individuals will occasionally show up in dried beans and flour if not stored in tightly sealed containers), they can be a source of filth, odor and displeasure due to their sheer numbers. Warm weather or an increase in home heating may convince individual boxelder bugs that spring has arrived and they will enter a family’s living space in search of a way outside. In late summer and autumn, they gather in groups much like swarms of bees on the sun-facing (preferably white) side of homes and garages where their sheer numbers will discolor the building’s side if allowed to stay.
Boxelder Bug Control
Indoor and outdoor boxelder control are interrelated. Destroying boxelder colonies outdoors means few bugs looking for a way into our home come fall. Denying places in your home for boxelders to overwinter means fewer numbers laying eggs in your trees next spring and summer.
You Can Expect AAA Service From Us Every Time!
AAA Pest Control is Dedicated to Serving You Right
Happy Customers in Your Neighborhood
Read Our Five-Star Reviews
-
“Tom from AAA has been incredibly thorough, communicative, and efficient. He answered every question and made sure I understood the process for termite treatment in our building and also in my personal unit. Excellent customer service.”- Nicole G.
-
“AAA Pest Control is the best for roach treatment! Mike was great at explaining to us the pest control process and did a great job meticulously applying the treatment. We have been loyal customers since 2021 and appreciate the amazing service!”- Jenn A.
-
“AAA Pest Control did an excellent job on our attic insulation and removal of pests. Jason and the team were very professional and provided great service. I was very informed and trusted their process.”- Betty R.
-
“We had the best experience with AAA Pest Control. They provided excellent help with our termite problem. I'm so happy we found them after dealing with another company. AAA Pest Control is so knowledgeable and helpful. I highly recommend them!”- Carolyn B.
-
“The people in the office are very nice and helpful. I had Louis come and spray my home and he was excellent. I would definitely recommend AAA Pest Control, the problem was completely resolved.”- Sue W.
-
“I am extremely satisfied with AAA Pest Control. Their team was prompt, knowledgeable, and efficient in addressing my pest issues. They went above and beyond to ensure that my home and car were pest-free.”- Eugenia L.
-
“Great rate to get started and excellent customer service from sales to technician! I’ve already passed the word on to my neighbors. The yechnician was very professional and transparent with everything. Thank you for your kindness and professionalism.”- Francelene H.
-
“I highly recommend AAA Pest Control. Buddy and MJ provided excellent service and helped us with several issues we were having. Honestly, they were two of the most caring people and we are so grateful for their service.”- Lexie G.
-
“The service with technician Louis was excellent. On time as promised, professional, detailed, friendly, and I am completely satisfied with the setting up of the appointment as well as the service. Highly recommend them, 5 stars!”- Debbie B.