What Are Boxelder Bugs and Why Do They Invade Homes?
Boxelder bugs are one of the most common overwintering pests in Minnesota, and they may already be hiding inside your home. As the last leaves fall from the trees and snow looms on the horizon, these pests sneak indoors to escape the cold. While you might be ready for a well-earned winter break from fall maintenance, Boxelder bugs may have taken advantage of the season’s chaos to move in—completely unnoticed. Homeowners often won’t realize these uninvited guests are inside until spring or during an unseasonably warm winter day when the bugs suddenly reappear.
The boxelder bug is one of those overwintering pests that seem harmless as far as pests go. They are recognizable by their ½ inch elongated black body with three red stripes across the abdomen. They are attracted to your home in October as a safe and warm environment for them to hibernate in. The boxelder travels in large groups and huddle together through the winter waiting for those first signs of spring.
They may have been attracted to your home because the boxelder is attracted to warm and sunny areas on the sides of buildings or even by the light through your open windows or doors. The bugs will gather on the sunny side of building and then work their way to the cracks and crevices in the siding to find a cozy spot for the season.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Them Indoors This Winter
They pose no threat to your home or your family; however, for the squeamish, it might not be ideal to knowingly let these bugs hang around inside your walls all winter. It is not uncommon for them to get confused on warm days and find their way into your living room, and you may find boxelder bugs on your window sill basking in the sunshine. They can leave yellowish stains from their waste on curtains, furniture, windows, stored clothing, and pillows.
The bad news is that if boxelder bugs found their way in, it is likely that other pests might have found your home a great wintering spot as well. Make sure that your home is safe by giving Adam’s Pest Control a call. Our professional technicians will inspect your home and make sure that any pests that have found their way in will quickly find their way out.
image of a Boxelder Bug Photo Credits to the owner
