Boxelder Bug Identification and Control
Correct identification is an important first step in pest control.
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Boxelder Bug
Boisea trivittata
How to Identify a Boxelder Bug
Boxelder bugs are black with red markings on their body. They look similar to red fire bugs and other related groups. Immature forms are smaller but easily distinguished from the adults by their lack of wings and red abdomens.
Are They A Health Risk
Boxelder bugs are a nuisance, but they are not a health threat. They congregate on exterior walls of buildings in spring and fall and can come indoors and annoy occupants. They overwinter in cracks and crevices in buildings. They also may stain lightly colored materials.
What Do They Look Like
Boxelder bugs are black with red markings on their body.
Box elder bugs congregate on exterior walls.
They can be found on sunny areas of concrete in colder weather.
Where Can I Find Them
Boxelder bugs are found in and around buildings in the spring and fall. They prefer female boxelder trees. During the winter they can be found in cracks and crevices of buildings, especially in sunny areas of exterior walls or leaf littler.
Name:
Boisea trivittata
Diet:
Boxelder bugs prefer box elder seeds, which are only found on female boxelder trees, but may feed on other maple seeds as well.
Impact :
Nuisance
Tips & Tricks
How To Prevent Boxelder Bugs
- Remove female boxelder trees from the area if possible.
- Plant non-maple trees to eventually shade sides of buildings where boxelder bugs like to congregate (south and west walls.)
- Seal any cracks that may allow boxelder bugs to enter buildings.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove indoor populations and vacuum often during the spring and fall.
- Apply an appropriately labeled pyrethroid insecticide around windows, doors, eaves and structure perimeters.
Don’t let boxelder bugs take over. Thorn can help.
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How To Control
Pests can be difficult to control, but that’s what we are here for. We create a strategic plan to gain control of your problem and make sure we get results.
Thorn's Approach
We take a scientific approach to pest control. We start with an inspection and assessment to help us identify the pest, locate where they are, and create a specific plan for your property. Every home and business is different and requires a unique strategy.
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Our Approach to Pest Control
Proper pest management starts with a detailed inspection and assessment from an expert pest professional before treatment. Thorn Pest Solutions uses a three-step process rooted in science to eliminate pests with long-term results.
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Assess Situation
First, we identify the root problem(s) with a site assessment. Pests are almost always an indicator of an environmental condition. This will determine the best actions to provide short and your long-term results against pests.
Execute Action Plan
Next, we develop a plan to fix the problems we discovered. This includes solving current pest issues, eliminating conducive conditions, and monitoring for future pest activity. Good pest management starts with a good plan.
Track Success
Lastly, we implement the solutions we developed including inspection, monitoring, and preventing future pest infestations. Good pest control requires a good offense and not just defense. Prevention is key.