Boxelder Bug Pest Control in Illinois

Boxelder bugs are primarily a nuisance pest, however their fecal material can cause a red stain on curtains, drapes, clothing, etc. When crushed or handled roughly, boxelder bugs can also produce a strong, disagreeable odor. Boxelder bugs generally become a problem when they invade homes, sheds, and garages in the fall and when they emerge in the spring. Like many overwintering pests, homeowners may see evidence of these bugs as the winter ends and they leave their overwintering site to go back outdoors.

The females lay clusters of straw-yellow eggs on stones, eaves, grass, shrubs, and trees – especially in the bark crevices of boxelder trees (hence their name). The eggs turn red as the embryos develop and hatch about two weeks later. The nymphs feed on fallen boxelder seeds and later on new leaves. There can be two generations per year in warmer regions.

In the fall, boxelder bugs become gregarious and congregate on the south side of rocks, trees, and buildings where the sun hits. After large masses gather, they migrate to nearby buildings or homes to overwinter. These pests tend to hide in small cracks and crevices in walls to insulate themselves from the cold winter temperatures.

Boxelder bugs are not known to bite, but their piercing-sucking mouthparts can occasionally puncture skin, causing a slight irritation and producing a red spot similar to a mosquito bite. When crushed or handled roughly, boxelder bugs may leave a reddish orange stain from their fecal material that can result in discoloration of curtains, drapes, clothing, etc.

They are among some of the most common pests in Illinois.

Since boxelder bugs are usually inside looking for a place to wait out the colder months, it’s nothing you’re doing that’s attracting them other than having warmth and shelter. They can easily slip in through a crack or crevice or a screen that hasn’t been replaced. They can even sneak in on deliveries! If you have a lot of cracks and crevices or screens that have tears, then you’ll have boxelder bugs – and stink bugs and flies and moths and just about all other pests that make their way inside whether on purpose or by mistake.

As soon as you notice boxelder bugs around your property or on or in your home, seek our professional boxelder bug infestation control service. We offer you a free quote!

Inside, boxelder bugs are primarily a nuisance pest, however their fecal material can cause a red stain on curtains, drapes, clothing, etc. When crushed or handled roughly, boxelder bugs can also produce a strong, disagreeable odor. Boxelder bugs generally become a problem when they invade homes, sheds, and garages in the fall and when they emerge in the spring. Like many overwintering pests, homeowners may see evidence of these bugs as the winter ends and they leave their overwintering site to go back outdoors.

The females lay clusters of straw-yellow eggs on stones, eaves, grass, shrubs, and trees – especially in the bark crevices of boxelder trees (hence their name). The eggs turn red as the embryos develop and hatch about two weeks later. The nymphs feed on fallen boxelder seeds and later on new leaves. There can be two generations per year in warmer regions.

Boxelder bugs are not known to bite, but their piercing-sucking mouthparts can occasionally puncture skin, causing a slight irritation and producing a red spot similar to a mosquito bite. When crushed or handled roughly, boxelder bugs may leave a reddish orange stain from their fecal material that can result in discoloration of curtains, drapes, clothing, etc.

Don’t wait, call us today to eradicate the problem before it gets worse.