Boxelder bugs are a common nuisance pest, particularly in the autumn and winter in Southern California. While generally harmless to humans and property, their large numbers and tendency to congregate can make them a significant annoyance. They can be found throughout Redlands, CA. Understanding their life cycle, especially their winter hibernation habits, is key to preventing them from becoming unwelcome houseguests.
Identifying Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs are easily recognizable insects. They are about ½ inch long with a black body and distinctive red or orange markings. These markings typically include three stripes behind the head and red outlines on their wings. Their nymphs (younger stages) are similar in shape but smaller and more brightly colored.
Boxelder Bug Habits and Diet
These insects are primarily plant feeders, with a strong preference for the seeds of female boxelder trees (hence their name). They also feed on maple and ash trees, but boxelders are their primary food source. Their feeding habits rarely cause significant damage to trees. During the spring and summer, boxelder bugs live and reproduce outdoors on these host trees.
Winter Hibernation and Home Invasions
As temperatures begin to drop in the fall, boxelder bugs begin seeking sheltered locations to survive the winter. This is when they often become a nuisance to homeowners. They are attracted to warm, sunny sides of buildings, particularly light-colored structures. They seek out cracks and crevices in foundations, siding, and around windows and doors to gain entry. Once inside, they may congregate in attics, wall voids, and other protected spaces.
Boxelder bugs do not reproduce indoors. They enter homes seeking shelter from the cold and remain relatively inactive throughout the winter. On warmer winter days or in early spring when temperatures begin to rise, they may become more active and emerge from their hiding places, often finding their way into living spaces. This is when homeowners typically notice their presence. Your home heating system can also trick the boxelder bug into thinking spring is arriving and may wake them up in your house.
Why Boxelder Bugs Become Pests
The primary reason boxelder bugs are considered pests is their sheer numbers. Large aggregations of these insects can be unsightly and create a nuisance. While they don’t sting or bite humans (except in extremely rare cases of accidental piercing of the skin), their droppings can stain fabrics and surfaces. Crushing them can also release an unpleasant odor.
Preventing Boxelder Bug Infestations
Preventing boxelder bugs from entering your home in the fall is the most effective control method. Here are some key strategies:
- Seal cracks and crevices in foundations, siding, and around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping. This is the most important step in preventing entry.
- Install screens on windows and doors to prevent bugs from entering when windows are open.
- Remove leaf litter and debris from around the foundation of your home. This eliminates potential harborage sites.
- If you have boxelder trees on your property, consider removing female trees to reduce the source of food and attractants. This is a longer-term solution.
- Vacuum up any boxelder bugs that do manage to enter your home. This is a more effective method than crushing them, which can release an odor.
Professional Pest Control in Redlands, CA
In cases of severe infestations, professional pest control services can be helpful. We can focus on preventative measures or eliminate the bugs once they are already inside wall voids.
By understanding boxelder bug behavior and implementing these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of these insects becoming a nuisance in your home during the winter months. If you have already seen them collecting in or outside your Redlands property, call us at 909-335-1486 or request a service visit.