Why Boxelder Bugs Love Your Home
Pumpkin spice season is also… bug season. In Minnesota, the first crisp nights of late summer trigger an annual migration—not just birds, but of small black-and-red invaders: boxelder bugs. Step outside on a warm September day and you will likely see dozens (or hundreds) of black-and-red boxelder bugs congregating on the sunny sides of your house—ready to sneak inside for the winter. Although harmless to your health or property, they can make a mess of your home… and your sanity.
At Adam’s Pest Control, we’ve perfected a proven strategy to keep them out—before they become a nuisance. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Boxelder Bugs Invade Minnesota Homes in Fall
Boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) spend summer feeding mostly on seeds from female boxelder and other maples. When the weather shifts, they start looking for winter lodging.
And they have a checklist:
- South or west-facing walls (they love the sun)
- Dark-colored siding (warms up faster)
- Cracks and gaps (perfect doorways)
Once they find a building they like, they gather in large numbers. Eventually, many slip inside through tiny openings, tucking into wall voids, attics, or basements for the winter. They don’t reproduce indoors, but they’ll sometimes reappear on warm winter days—as uninvited mid-January “guests.”
Why Boxelder Bugs are a Nuisance (Even If They Don’t Bite)
They swarm your structure—but don’t damage it. Though they pose no threat to your home or its occupants, boxelder bugs can become an annoyance.
- Messy houseguests – When crushed, they can leave yellow stains on walls and fabrics.
- Persistent – Vacuum them up, and more seem to appear.
- Smelly – They release an odor when disturbed.
- Attract other pests — Many overwintering boxelder bugs die inside wall voids, attics, or other sheltered spots and their carcasses may draw pests such as carpet beetles or other dermestid beetles.
For homeowners, this means stained curtains, ruined paint touch-ups, and annoyed family members. For property managers, it means unhappy tenants or customers.
Boxelder Bug Prevention Tips for Minnesota Homeowners and Property Managers
Boxelder bugs are persistent, but you can make your home less appealing:
- Seal Potential Entry Points – Caulk cracks, fix screens, add weather stripping, cover vents with fine mesh, and close gaps around vents, siding, and utility lines.
- Tidy Up Around the Foundation – Remove debris, leaf litter, and thick mulch where boxelder bugs can hide.
- Landscaping Choices – If you’re planting new trees, avoid female boxelder trees near buildings.
- Act Early and Proactively – Sealing and cleaning before cooler temperatures and boxelder bugs arrive is critical—this gives you the best chance to prevent infestations.
Best Time to Treat Boxelder Bugs in Minnesota
Here’s the key: once they’re inside, it can be too late to “kick them out” until spring. Effective prevention means treating and sealing before they begin their fall gathering—ideally late August through early September in Minnesota.
That’s when Adam’s Pest Control steps in. Our trained pros know exactly when and where to apply proven treatments to stop the invasion before it happens.
Learn how Adam’s keeps boxelder bugs out → Boxelder Bug Control
Why Trust Adam’s Over DIY
- Science-backed timing. We schedule treatments before boxelder bugs congregate—typically late August or September—ensuring maximum impact.
- Professional-grade materials and technique. Our EPA-proven residual products last longer and provide consistent barrier protection—far more effective than store-bought sprays.
- Guaranteed peace of mind. With warranties and expert follow-up, you avoid the hassle of repeated DIY attempts or unwanted indoor infestations.
Ready to Stop Boxelder Bugs in Their Tracks?
Peak boxelder bug season in Minnesota runs from late August to early October—book your treatment early to avoid infestation. Call Adam’s Pest Control today to book your fall prevention service—early reservations are essential to outsmart these seasonal invaders.
