Boxelder bug
Courtesy Bruce Marlin

Beware, boxelder bugs may have a huge population explosion this fall. Turns out boxelder bugs operate on a ten year cycle. Between years seven and ten, the bugs tend to be the most reproductively active. What year are we in? Year eight.

Boxelder bug characteristics

As an adult, boxelder bugs reach a length of ½ inches. They are mostly black with red lines decorating their backs. Typically, these bugs become a nuisance during the fall and early spring.

Boxelder bugs eat a host of plants. However, they tend to favor boxelder seed pods found on female boxelder trees. If there is a female boxelder tree in you neighborhood then the odds of having a boxelder infestation increases.

Boxelder bugs seek shelter in protected places. Typical shelter areas include cracks or crevices in walls, doors, under windows and around foundations. The bugs particularly favor south and west exposures.

Boxelder bug eradication

Here are some tips if boxelder bugs sneak into your dwellings:

• Caulk or seal all cracks and spaces found in your foundation, siding, windows, doors and other entry points
• Exterior insecticide treatments (chlorpyrifos, diazinon, permethrin)
• Soap mixtures
• Call pest control services
• Vacuum up boxelder bugs

Lastly, remember boxelder bugs are not able to survive more than a few days indoors and are essentially harmless. So check now, make sure your house is sealed before the boxelder population explosion hits!

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