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What You Should Know If You're Seeing Boxelder Bugs Around Your St. Charles Property


June 10, 2023

Boxelder bugs are unique-looking bugs that can be startling to see. Once they invade your home, they can be difficult to eliminate. There can also be certain consequences for people who choose to kill these pests in or near their homes. 

At Pest Control Consultants, we know the right way to get rid of boxelder bugs in your home. We have been providing pest control in St. Charles for over a decade and have been dealing with boxelder bugs for even longer. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about having these bizarre bugs in your home.

boxelder bug on rock

Boxelder Bugs Are Pretty Easy To Identify

Boxelder bugs in St. Charles have a one-of-a-kind look that makes them incredibly easy to identify. They usually measure about a ½ inch long and have flat, oval-shaped bodies. They also have six legs, two long antennae, and a small head. Their most distinguishing feature is their color variations. Typically, boxelder bugs have shiny black bodies that have bright red-orange markings. They also have a pair of wings that lay flat against their bodies. Baby boxelder bugs look similar to adult bugs but don't have wings, and their bodies are usually entirely red. 

These bugs like to hang out in warm areas. They also tend to travel and live in large groups. It is not uncommon to see over 100 boxelder bugs clumped together in a large group. When outdoors, they are commonly found near boxelder and maple trees. If they come into your home, they are usually found in the attic or behind walls. 

The Problems Caused By Boxelder Bugs

These small bugs are mainly nuisance bugs but can cause a few problems if they come into your home. They don't typically bite, but they have a needle-like mouthpiece that can pierce the skin and usually leave a small, red bump on your skin that resembles a mosquito bite. 

They also leave red stains on your furniture, drapes, and other cloth surfaces. This may not be a big problem at first, but once thousands of boxelder bugs are in your home, the numerous stains could ruin your clothing and other fabric items. 

Many people don't like to see boxelder bugs in their homes because they are so challenging to get rid of. This bug is a distant relative of the stinkbug. And like the stinkbug, if you try to kill them by stepping on them, they will emit a foul odor. 

Factors That Attract Boxelder Bugs To Your Property

Boxelder bugs like warm, sunny areas that have plenty of food. They mainly eat trees but will also snack on fruit and other vegetation. Some of the things that might be attracting boxelder bugs to your property could include:

  • Ash, maple, and boxelder trees
  • An abundance of rocks, concrete, or other heat-reflecting surfaces
  • Gardens that have strawberries and other sweet fruit

Boxelder bugs like to bathe in the sun and eat a variety of vegetation. They prefer to live in residential areas. During the warmer months, you can usually find them soaking up the sin by your windows or on your porch. Once the weather starts to get cold, they will try to come into your home to wait out the frigid temperatures. 

Call The Pros To Get Rid Of A Boxelder Bug Infestation

Getting rid of a boxelder bug infestation requires the help of a professional home pest control company. At Pest Control Consultants, we can get rid of these pesky bugs in St. Charles fast, and we also go the extra mile to ensure that they don't come back again.

Tags: occasional invaders | boxelder bugs | boxelder bug control |