A Guide To Boxelder Bugs For Hendersonville Property Owners

It can be more than a little disturbing when a large number of bugs start to congregate on your deck, or on the exterior of your home. But this is exactly what you can expect from boxelder bugs. If you’re seeing these insects on your Hendersonville property for the first time, you probably have questions. Lots of questions. Hopefully, this little guide will give you the answers you’re looking for.

Boxelder Bug Identification

Let’s make sure the insects you’re seeing on your property are, in fact, boxelder bugs. There are a few visual characteristics.

• A boxelder bug is an elongated oval shape and has a low profile.

• An adult is about ½ an inch in length.

• An adult will have a black and fiery orange coloration.

• Nymphs can be mostly red.

• Boxelder bugs swarm.

• When congregating together, you may see a mixture of adults and nymphs.

Are boxelder bugs dangerous?

These insects have piercing-sucking mouthparts. They use their mouthparts to break the skin of fruit. While they are not known to bite people, there are reports that they may bite defensively. The wound caused by a boxelder bug shouldn’t amount to much more than a small red spot on the skin. Refrain from handling them and you should be fine.

What problems do boxelder bugs cause?

• These insects feed on boxelder trees, maple trees, and the fruit of fruit trees. This can be destructive.

• The feces of boxelder bugs can stain surfaces and fabrics.

• Boxelder bugs can stink. While they don’t stink as bad as stink bugs, some say the odor is quite unpleasant.  

How do boxelder bugs get in?

These insects can get into homes through any gaps, cracks, or holes they can find. The entry points they use are common entry points that all pests use.

• Damaged door and window screens, window panes, door sweeps, weatherstripping, vent covers.

• Gaps around pipes, wire conduits, doors, windows, and exterior wall penetrations.

• Cracks in foundation walls.

• Cracks in the mortar around bricks.

• Pest damage to wood frames, sole plates, and other building materials.

How do I keep boxelder bugs out?

• Use a caulking gun to seal any gaps in your exterior.

• Use a foundation repair kit to patch cracks in your foundation wall.

• Use a patch to fix screens, or have the screen material replaced.

• Purchase door sweeps, weatherstripping, or vent covers.

How do I get rid of boxelder bugs?

If boxelder bugs get into your home, you can use a vacuum to remove them from your home. This can be a simple process if you only have a few. If a bunch have gotten in, it is best to let the service team at All-American Pest Control take care of the problem. Our service team members use a crack-and-crevice treatment to get bugs that are hiding in your home, and your service professional can handle the hard work of using a vacuum to suck up the beetles that are crawling around in your home.

Perimeter Pest Control

Boxelder bugs aren’t the only pests that can get into your Hendersonville home this fall. The best way to keep all fall pests out is by investing in Perimeter PLUS. Our Perimeter PLUS pest control gives you coverage for over 47 common Tennessee pests, including boxelder bugs, Asian lady beetles, and stink bugs. During the warm months of the year, this service will protect you from mosquito bites by reducing mosquito populations around your home. Now is the perfect time to get started. Reach out to us today and schedule to meet with one of our friendly and knowledgeable service professionals.