Nature is no less than astronomical. The world of critters is no less vast than other life forms uncovered by man. Beetles, roaches, mites, worms, and flies all live in harmony, forming an ecosystem of their own. However, these bugs tend to cause infections in warmer places like your home in a basement, attics, or anywhere warm. So, in this article, we shall cover as many things we need to know about box bugs and how to get rid of boxelder bug infestations. But first! Let’s get to know it a little.
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The Boxelder Bug
The boxelder bug is a type of bug categorized as an actual nuisance bug in the bug family. Both mean that the boxelder bug of a small size appears in larger groups than a singular bug. Upon crushing them, they release a nasty odor, making them stink bugs like cicadas and other insects. They are also known as maple bugs, box bugs, and beetles and are named after being mostly attracted to maple, boxelder, or any seed-bearing trees where they lay eggs and feed during warmer months.
These bugs are generally native to the Western USA but can also be found in regions like the east of Canada, east of the U.S., and west to east of Nevada.
How To Identify a boxelder bug?
A boxelder bug is usually identified by its black-colored back with orange-ish red markings, six legs, and a piercing and sucking mouthpart; however, it is well known to bite humans when picked up. It is a docile-natured bug. Nevertheless, they differ in terms of their morphology.
Adult Boxelder Bugs:
- Half an inch long
- Decorated with black and orange marks and three stripes right behind the head or the prothorax
- Wings lay flat on their bodies and overlap to form an X.
Young Boxelder Bugs:
- One Sixteenth of an inch in length
- Hatch with a bright red color that later develops into black and red.
How to get rid of Boxelder bugs?
Everybody hates bug infestations, especially when they’re inside, the only place we safely ensconce ourselves to unwind and relax. Unless we mind the company, it is best to eliminate them as soon as possible. As per our discussion thus far, we have learned they love warm and cozy spaces like ours. So anytime they find a warm place to be, know they’re having a rave. But we don’t want unwanted raves in our rooms. So, let’s learn a few ways to get rid of boxelder bugs.
Till now, we have learned the likes of boxelder bugs. However, a brief research would bring you to an understanding of what they dislike. Here’s a few things:
Scents That Get Rid Of Boxelder Bugs:
- Strong flowery scents: Lavender, Eucalyptus
- Minty scents: peppermint, menthol, camphor and tea tree
- Spices: cinnamon, thyme, and clove
- Plant-based scents: Citronella, lemongrass (Geraniol consisting plants well known for its bug repelling properties), and Cedar (blocks, sachets, or balls)
How to get rid of Boxelder bugs: Indoors
Where there’s warmth, there go the little critters, and the most warmth they, or even us humans, can find is within an enclosed space guarded by bricks or lined with insulation. We can deduce the highest chance of their infestation as pretty obvious given the climate and weather in many of these regions, which are hot and dry. Eastern Canada is mostly cold; boxelder bugs always look for warm spots. Upon finding a suitable place, mostly house and homes unprotected and unsealed, they enter and begin their big boxelder bonanza.
So, if you ever come across such a critter party, here are a few ways to get rid of the boxelder bugs:
- It’s best advised to hoover them up with a vacuum cleaner.
- If there’s one or two, go ahead and pick them off. Don’t worry, though, they don’t bite.
- Call professionals like pest control or an exterminator, and they’ll gladly help.
Other ways to get rid of Boxelder bugs:
1. SEAL EVERYTHING!!
Seal every nook and cranny as best as you can with silicon sealants, sealing tapes, POP, etc. Bear in mind that the boxelder bug’s tiny appearance and stature make up for fitting into tight spaces. Patch up any crack you may come across. Boxelder infestations mostly occur in basements and only sometimes appear in kitchens, bedrooms, living areas, and other abandoned places. Overall, please don’t be stingy regarding possible bug infestations. At best, you can hire professionals to seal everything up well in case you lack the confidence to be thorough.
2. Take care of any wood piles or debris.
Places include spaces underneath bigger objects, such as underneath or behind refrigerators, couches, wardrobes, cupboards, etc.
3. Line up the perimeter of every space with bug repellants.
By lining places and spaces with you wouldn’t have to worry about crawling critters like boxelder bugs coming in. and swarming/stinking up the place. You can even spray bug repellent sprays available in the market and spray them in every corner every night or every other to keep the bugs away.
4. Bug Attractors
Another good tip is to place bug attractors or bug traps. That should work fine.
5. Use as many scents as you can.
From what we’ve learned previously, Box bugs dislike strong scents. So, putting scent packets or car fresheners could help if placed in small corners. Besides, now your neighbors will appreciate how good your house smells.
Conclusion:
So, there you go, all you need to know about boxelder bugs and how to get rid of Boxelder bugs. Hopefully, this article will inform you all you need to know about Boxelder bugs in one spot. Protect Yourselves and your homes. Stay safe.
