What To Do About Boxelder Bugs On Your Reno, NV Property

Boxelder bug s are named not for their appearance but for their habits. In nature, you will find boxelder bugs on boxelder trees. These pests are black and have red or orange markings on their back. With six legs and an oval body, boxelder bugs sometimes are confused for beetles. Nymphs have a similar appearance but don’t have wings and are bright red.

Unlike some Reno pests, boxelder bugs aren’t particularly nasty. They don’t bite, and they aren’t known to spread diseases. However, they do have fecal matter that stains clothing, drapes, and other materials. If you have a large enough infestation, you could experience significant damage. The other issue is the smell. When you crush or handle a boxelder bug, it emits a foul odor.

It’s easier to prevent boxelder bugs than it is to deal with an infestation. To limit your chance of seeing this insect indoors, seal up the cracks around your home. Is the caulking on your window tight? If not, apply a layer of caulking or weatherstripping. Check the gaps underneath all of your doors and use door sweeps where necessary.

If you like to keep your windows or doors open, check the screens. Are there holes in your screens? If so, seal them up with screen tape or replace them. Failing to do so makes it easy for boxelder bugs to get inside.

You should also seal up from the inside out. If your outlet covers, baseboards, and fans don’t have proper seals around them, boxelder bugs could get inside. Remove them and check the seals, then replace whatever is necessary.

Of course, all pests are resourceful when it comes to entering homes. Despite your attempts, boxelder bugs may still get inside. Once these pests get indoors, they may lay eggs. It’s only a matter of time before you have high numbers of boxelder bugs in your home, garage, or shed. At that point, it’s important to know what to do.

As soon as you notice boxelder bugs in your home, take action. But that doesn’t mean you should go around and kill all of the bugs you find. Crushing the bugs will make your home smell, and you need to be cautious about using chemical sprays. If boxelder bugs die in your walls, beetles could come to eat them. In addition to having boxelder bugs, you might also have carpet and larder beetles.

On your own, you can try to use a vacuum cleaner to suck up the boxelder bugs you find. Don’t allow the bugs to stay in the vacuum bag, because the insects may still be alive in the bag. But you probably won’t be able to vacuum up every boxelder bug in your home. Many of them may remain hidden and continue to reproduce.

Here at Natura Pest Control, we want to help you get rid of boxelder bugs. The best and only effective way to eliminate these pests is to call the professionals. Our experienced team uses highly effective methods to make sure every last boxelder bug is gone. Then, we can advise you on ways to make sure they don’t come back. With our help, you can kick out these intruders and enjoy your Reno home. Call us now to learn more.