Dealing with Boxelder Bugs in Minnesota and Iowa Homes
As fall settles in and temperatures drop, homeowners in Minnesota and Iowa may notice an increase in boxelder bug activity around their homes. These small, black insects with orange markings tend to congregate in large numbers, seeking warmth in homes and buildings. While boxelder bugs are harmless to humans, their presence can be annoying and unsightly. Here’s what you need to know about dealing with these pests in your Minnesota and Iowa home.
What Are Boxelder Bugs?
Boxelder bugs are a type of true bug (family Coreidae) that are most commonly found in North America, especially around boxelder trees, which they are named after. These pests tend to gather in large numbers during the fall, seeking warmth inside homes and buildings to overwinter. While they are not harmful to humans, they can be a nuisance due to their tendency to invade homes and their strong odor when disturbed.
Boxelder bugs feed on the seeds and leaves of boxelder trees, as well as other types of maple and ash trees. They do not cause significant damage to the trees but can be an annoyance when they infest homes in the cooler months.
What Do Boxelder Bugs Look Like?
Boxelder bugs are easily recognizable due to their distinct appearance. Here’s what you should look for:
- Size: They are medium-sized insects, typically about 1/2 inch (12–14 mm) in length.
- Color: Boxelder bugs have a striking black body with orange or red markings along the edges, especially on the thorax and wings. The combination of black and orange makes them quite noticeable.
- Shape: They have an elongated, oval shape with slightly flattened bodies.
- Wings: The wings are dark with reddish-orange veins, and they fold flat over their bodies when at rest. You may also see the outline of the wings forming an "X" shape across their back.
- Antennae: They have long, slender antennae that are usually orange or red at the tips.
Are Boxelder Beetles Dangerous?
No, boxelder bugs are not dangerous. They do not bite, sting, or spread disease, and they do not cause significant damage to plants or structures. However, they can be a nuisance when they invade homes in large numbers, especially in the fall.
Although boxelder bugs are harmless to humans, their large gatherings can be unsettling, and their presence can become more noticeable as they invade your living space. As the weather cools, they search for a warm place to overwinter, and your home provides the perfect refuge.
How to Prevent Boxelder Bug From Getting Inside
Boxelder bugs can become a major nuisance when they invade your home. These insects typically seek warmth during the colder months, making your home an attractive shelter. Here’s how you can prevent them from infesting your living spaces:
1. Seal Entry Points
Inspect the Exterior: Start by thoroughly inspecting the exterior of your home for cracks, gaps, or other openings where boxelder bugs could enter. Focus on areas where pipes, wires, and vents enter your home. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal small cracks and gaps, especially around windows, doors, and foundation walls.
Window Screens: Ensure that all windows are equipped with tightly fitting screens. Check for any holes or rips in the screens and replace or repair them as needed.
Door Sweeps: Install door sweeps on the bottoms of doors to block any gaps between the door and the floor. This prevents boxelder bugs from sneaking in through the smallest of spaces.
Garage and Attic Vents: Inspect your garage and attic vents for any damage. Install fine mesh or screening to prevent bugs from entering through these areas.
2. Remove Host Trees
Boxelder Trees: Boxelder bugs primarily feed and breed on boxelder trees, which are a type of maple. If you have a boxelder tree near your home, it may attract these bugs in large numbers. If possible, consider removing the tree, especially if you live in an area with high populations of boxelder bugs.
Other Host Trees: Boxelder bugs are also attracted to other trees like maple and ash. If you can’t remove these trees, focus on trimming them to reduce the potential for bugs to cluster and breed.
Use Insecticide on Trees: If removing trees isn’t an option, you can treat your trees with an insecticide labeled for boxelder bug control. Apply it to the trunks and branches during the spring or early summer when the bugs are most active.
3. Trim and Maintain Trees and Shrubs
Keep Trees Away from the House: Trim tree branches and shrubs away from the exterior of your home. Boxelder bugs often use these trees and shrubs as pathways to enter your house, so maintaining distance between them and your structure helps reduce risk.
Regular Pruning: Regularly prune trees, especially in the late summer or early fall, when boxelder bugs are looking for a place to overwinter. This keeps the bugs from congregating in dense areas near your home.
Remove Leaf Piles and Debris: Boxelder bugs can use fallen leaves and debris as shelter. Regularly clear leaf piles and organic debris from around the base of trees to eliminate potential hiding spots.
4. Reduce Clutter Inside the Home
Organize Storage Areas: Boxelder bugs are attracted to hidden, warm spaces during the colder months. Make sure your attic, basement, and closets are organized, reducing the number of places where the bugs could take shelter.
Inspect Stored Items: Periodically check items that are stored in attics or basements. Avoid leaving piles of boxes, old furniture, or clothing in places where boxelder bugs can hide.
5. Use Insecticides
Targeted Exterior Spraying: If you’re dealing with a significant boxelder bug issue, apply a residual insecticide around the exterior of your home. Focus on areas like window sills, door frames, and other cracks where the bugs may enter. Always follow the label directions and use products labeled for boxelder bug control.
Spray Around Foundations: Apply insecticide along the foundation of your house, particularly in the fall, when boxelder bugs are actively looking for places to enter.
Professional Pest Control: If your efforts aren't enough, consider contacting a pest control professional. They can apply more potent treatments and help you with long-term prevention strategies.
6. Use Natural Repellents
Essential Oils: Some essential oils, such as cedarwood, peppermint, and eucalyptus, are known to repel boxelder bugs. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to areas where boxelder bugs are likely to enter, like windowsills, doorways, and cracks in walls.
Diatomaceous Earth: This fine powder, made from fossilized algae, is an effective natural insecticide that can help control boxelder bugs. Sprinkle it along the foundation or around the perimeter of your home, and it will kill insects by damaging their exoskeletons.
7. Monitor for Infestations
Keep an Eye on Early Signs: Boxelder bugs often make their first appearance in the fall when they begin searching for overwintering spots. Be vigilant in watching for early signs of their presence. Look for clusters of the bugs on sunny spots around the house or near windows.
Use Traps: You can buy boxelder bug traps, or make your own using a container with a sugar water mixture. Place these traps near areas where you've seen the bugs. While these won’t eliminate a large infestation, they can help reduce the number of bugs.
What to Do If You Find Boxelder Bugs Indoors
Despite your best efforts at prevention, boxelder bugs may still find their way into your home. If you do find them inside, follow these steps to manage and remove them:
Vacuum Them Up
When you spot boxelder bugs inside your home, the most immediate and effective method is to vacuum them up. Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to collect the bugs.
- If you're using a vacuum with a bag, seal the bag tightly and dispose of it outside immediately.
- If you’re using a bagless vacuum, empty the contents directly into a sealed trash bag and take it outside to prevent the bugs from returning.
Use Soapy Water
If you prefer a more natural solution, you can mix a solution of water and dish soap in a spray bottle. Spraying this directly on boxelder bugs will suffocate them. However, this method is more time-consuming than vacuuming and may require multiple applications.
Insecticides
For large infestations, an insecticidal spray may be necessary. It’s best to use a pesticide that’s labeled for use against boxelder bugs. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully to ensure safe application. Always consult with a pest control expert before using harsh chemicals indoors.
Consider Professional Help
If you find boxelder bugs persistently appearing in your home despite your efforts, it may be worth calling a pest control professional. They can help identify the source of the infestation and apply stronger treatments to eliminate the problem.
By following these detailed prevention strategies and knowing what to do if you find boxelder bugs indoors, you can minimize their impact and protect your home from future infestations.
Protecting Your Home Year-Round
While boxelder bugs are primarily a fall nuisance, it’s important to be proactive year-round to prevent infestations. Regularly inspect your home for any new gaps or cracks, and take action before the colder months arrive. Keeping your home sealed and pest-free will make a big difference in reducing the likelihood of a boxelder bug invasion.
Conclusion
Boxelder bugs may be a common fall problem for homeowners in Minnesota and Iowa, but with the right approach, you can manage them effectively. By taking preventive measures, sealing entry points, and using natural or professional methods to remove bugs inside your home, you can keep these insects from becoming a major issue.
If you're struggling with an infestation or just want some professional advice, don't hesitate to reach out to your local pest control service at Olson's Pest Technicians for assistance. Protect your home and enjoy a bug-free autumn!