Boxelder Bug Pest Control and Treatment

Boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) are common pests in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, especially in the fall when they seek shelter indoors to overwinter. These bugs are primarily found around box elder trees, as well as maple and ash trees, which serve as their main food sources. While boxelder bugs do not cause structural damage or pose significant health risks, they can become a nuisance when they invade homes in large numbers. Their droppings can stain fabrics and walls, and when crushed, they emit an unpleasant odor. If you’ve noticed clusters of black and red bugs around your home or inside during the cooler months, you may have a boxelder bug infestation.

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Common signs of a Boxelder Bug infestation

Boxelder bugs are most noticeable in the fall and early spring. Here are some common signs that indicate a boxelder bug infestation:

  • Large numbers of bugs congregating on sunny surfaces: Boxelder bugs often gather in large groups on the south or west sides of buildings, rocks, or trees to warm themselves in the sun.
  • Entry into homes: As temperatures drop, boxelder bugs seek warm places to overwinter. They often enter homes through cracks around windows, doors, siding, and vents.
  • Fecal stains: Boxelder bug excrement can leave unsightly stains on light-colored surfaces such as curtains, walls, and furniture.
  • Buzzing sounds: You may hear buzzing if boxelder bugs become active indoors during warmer winter days.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action before the infestation worsens.

Expert Boxelder Bug Removal

At EcoValley Pest Control, we specialize in safe and effective removal of boxelder bugs from homes and properties. While boxelder bugs do not bite or cause significant damage, their presence can be overwhelming due to their tendency to gather in large numbers. Our professional technicians use proven methods to eliminate these pests and prevent future infestations.

Our process includes:

  1. Thorough inspection: We inspect your home for entry points and areas where boxelder bugs may be congregating.
  2. Exclusion techniques: We seal cracks around windows, doors, vents, and other entry points to prevent further intrusion.
  3. Targeted treatment: We apply safe insecticides around windows, doors, and other areas where boxelder bugs are likely to gather.
  4. Prevention strategies: We provide advice on how to reduce boxelder bug populations by removing debris near your home and trimming back host trees like box elders.

The benefits of professional Boxelder Bug treatment

Hiring a professional pest control service offers several key advantages when dealing with boxelder bug infestations:

  • Effective exclusion: Our technicians will seal entry points to keep boxelder bugs from entering your home in the first place.
  • Safe treatments: We use treatments that are safe for your family and pets while effectively eliminating boxelder bug populations.
  • Long-term prevention: By addressing the root causes of infestations—such as entry points and host trees—we help prevent future problems.
  • Expert knowledge: Our team understands boxelder bug behavior and knows how to handle even large infestations effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) are black insects with distinctive red or orange markings. They feed on the leaves, seeds, and flowers of box elder trees but also live on maple and ash trees. They become a nuisance when they enter homes seeking warmth for the winter.

No, boxelder bugs do not bite humans or pets and do not transmit diseases. However, they can stain surfaces with their droppings and emit an unpleasant odor when crushed.

The best way to manage a boxelder bug infestation is by sealing cracks around windows, doors, and other potential entry points. Professional pest control services can also apply insecticides around problem areas to reduce populations.

Boxelder bugs are attracted to warm surfaces such as sunny walls or roofs during the fall. Homes located near host trees like box elders or maples are more likely to experience infestations.

To prevent future infestations:

  • Seal cracks around windows, doors, vents, and siding.
  • Remove debris like wood piles or leaves near your home where boxelder bugs might hide.
  • Trim back or remove host trees like female box elder trees if possible.

Let Eco Valley handle all your pest control

Our technicians will assess and directly address your pest issues, tailoring our methods specifically to your home or business needs.
Expect thorough inspections and targeted pest control treatments that resolve your specific pest problems efficiently.

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