Boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) are a species of insect found throughout much of North America where boxelder, maple, and ash trees are present. They can easily be identified by their characteristic black or dark grey coloration that is accented with bold red or orange markings.
Although they are not harmful to humans in terms of biting or transmission of diseases, boxelder bugs can be a problem, especially during winter months when they enter homes and buildings looking for shelter while overwintering.
Outside the house, in, and around the home, they are the reason for several problems. In Salt Lake City, many professional companies can help residents fight such infestations. They can contact the Exterminator in Salt Lake City to get rid of these pests.
What are the issues with Boxelder Bugs?
1. Invading Private Homes & Buildings
By far, the most significant inconvenience brought on by boxelder bugs is their invasion of homes and buildings when the colder weather comes around. As temperatures drop, these bugs start searching for cracks and other tiny openings in houses where they can find warmth and protection.
Once indoors, boxelder bugs may be seen gathered together near windows, in attics, or wall voids, often by the hundreds. Despite not reproducing indoors or causing structural damage, they are an upsetting nuisance for homeowners.
2. Staining and odor coming from crushing these insects
Forcing out some of these specific bugs, like boxelder bugs, can be quite a nuisance, and their aching tendency to have a particularly intense liquid inside them encourages this distress.
Stains from these insects make it challenging to keep furnishings and other household items clean. The same thing holds; for example, when a boxelder bug is squashed against carpets or even clothes, the stain is such that it is likely to be everlasting on one’s clothing.
3. Minor plant damage can be there too
Boxelder bugs are considered to be outdoor pests, but they feed on the seeds, flowers, and foliage of particular trees, including the box elder. Therefore, if they are not hiding indoors, they will be feeding on these rather cute and pretty trees.
As such, they may not entirely pose significant risks to the trees, but they might still cause some level of disturbances in the health of the plants. For instance, massive swarming of box elder bugs on trees leads to the deformation of leaves and even falling off of leaves at inappropriate seasons.
4. Hypersensitivity reactions can occur in people
In rare instances, people can develop allergic reactions as a result of encountering boxelder bugs or their secretions. The most common reaction is skin irritation, which usually comes out in the form of red and itchy rashes after handling these insects or touching surfaces they had previously been on.
There are times when people suffering from respiratory problems can also suffer mild respiratory issues due to the presence of high numbers of boxelder bugs or their remnants.
5. Drainage systems, gutters, and vents being blocked
Boxelder bugs typically aggregate in colonies; hence, their presence can be felt in one place. These insects will accumulate outdoors; thus, waterways and drainage may get clogged with them. If left unattended, they block water flow in the canal, leading to water artery damage or roof leakages if they gather in gutters.
How can you prevent and manage boxelder bug infestations?
The best means is to prevent them from invading homes in the first place. As such, homeowners are advised to examine their houses for cracks and crevices surrounding windows, doorways, and foundations that might encourage invasions of this insect at a later time.
This may also limit infiltration chances by fixing or replacing broken screens and making sure that doors and windows shut tightly.
Tired of dealing with pests? A pest control service can help!
Although boxelder bugs do not pose severe threats to human beings, their existence has the potential to cause disturbances and minimal destruction. Reaching out to a professional is recommended when nothing works out. They have the knowledge required to deal with such pests.