Boxelder bugs are a common insect recognized by their black bodies accented with distinct red or orange markings. These insects frequently gather around boxelder trees, maples, and ash trees, which serve as their primary food sources. They are a familiar sight, particularly during warmer months and into the fall season when they become more noticeable.
Risk to People and Animals
Boxelder bugs present no direct threat to humans or pets. These insects do not possess stingers and are not known to bite. They also do not transmit diseases to people or animals. Their non-aggressive nature means they will not actively pursue or attack.
While harmless, some individuals might experience mild skin irritation if they have prolonged contact with a large number of these bugs, though this is uncommon. Pets consuming a significant quantity of boxelder bugs might experience minor, temporary digestive upset. Such instances are rare and do not lead to serious health complications for animals.
Impact on Homes and Gardens
Boxelder bugs can become a nuisance, particularly when they congregate in large numbers around homes and gardens. As temperatures drop in autumn, they seek warmer shelter, often finding their way into houses through small cracks and openings. These insects may gather on sunny exterior walls before moving indoors, creating visible clusters.
Once inside, their presence can be bothersome, and their droppings might leave small, reddish-brown stains on light-colored surfaces like curtains or walls. Crushing a bug can release an unpleasant odor. In gardens, these bugs feed on the seeds and leaves of their host trees, such as boxelder, maple, and ash. Damage to plants is superficial and rarely harms the overall health of trees or garden plants.
Managing Boxelder Bugs
Managing boxelder bugs involves simple, non-toxic prevention and removal methods. Sealing cracks around windows, doors, and foundations can prevent their entry into homes, which is a primary step in control. Repairing torn window screens and ensuring proper door sweeps also helps deter them from seeking indoor shelter.
For bugs that have already entered a home, a vacuum cleaner is an effective tool for removal, allowing for easy disposal without crushing them. Outdoors, a simple solution of dish soap mixed with water can be sprayed directly onto clusters of bugs, which helps to eliminate them. Professional pest control is seldom necessary due to their harmless nature and effective basic management strategies.