Boxelder Bug Control 101: How To Prevent And Eliminate Boxelder Bugs Around Your Chicago Home

Boxelder Bug on wood.
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As we approach fall, there is so much to look forward to, like pumpkin spice everything, football, and, finally, cooler temperatures. Unfortunately, if you have boxelder or maple trees on your property, fall is also the time boxelder bugs start breaking into homes looking for a warm place to spend the winter. 

Welcome to boxelder bug control 101, where we will explain how to identify these pests, their signs, and the damage they can cause on your property. We'll also provide our most effective tips to keep these pests out of the house. Continue reading to learn how to achieve successful boxelder bug control in Chicago with help from the experts at Aerex Pest Control.

Boxelder Bug Identification: Signs And Features To Look For

The first step in controlling pests is identification. Here are some of the distinct features and signs of boxelder bugs in Chicago to help you determine if they are the pests you are dealing with:

  • Adult boxelder bugs are about 1/2 an inch long and black with an orange or reddish pattern on their backs.
  • Their bodies are long and oval, somewhat flat, and their heads are more narrow than their bodies.
  • Adults have six legs, wings, and two antennae about half the length of their bodies.
  • Baby boxelder bugs on your property will appear similar to adults, but they don't have wings, and their bodies are bright red.
  • In the fall, you will likely see them congregating on the south side of the house where the sun hits.

If you see boxelder bugs in the house or large numbers on the outside, it might signal the start of an infestation. Contact us today at Aerex Pest Control for assistance identifying and eliminating any troublesome pests on your property.

Boxelder Bug Problems: Understanding The Damage They Can Cause

Boxelder bug infestations tend to occur in large numbers, and having a lot of pests in and around your home is incredibly uncomfortable. These bugs feed on fallen boxelder seeds, newly developing leaves on trees, and sometimes fruit, but they are not known to cause significant damage. The real problems occur when they migrate into homes during the fall.

Boxelder bug damage comes from their fecal matter that leaves red stains on cloth like curtains and upholstery, and crushing them causes them to release a terrible smell. If these pests are infesting your home or large amounts are congregating outside, contact us at Aerex Pest Control for assistance.

Shield Your Home From Boxelder Bugs: Practical Tips For Prevention

Proactive prevention is the key to controlling these nuisance pests. The following tips explain how to keep boxelder bugs away from your property and out of the house:

  • Seal cracks and crevices on the exterior of your home.
  • Repair any holes in your window or door screens.
  • Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
  • Keep the yard neat to eliminate hiding places and debris.
  • Consider removing female boxelder trees.

If you have trouble with boxelder bugs in the house or yard, the pros at Aerex Pest Control are here to help. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Boxelder Bug Extermination: How To Eliminate A Boxelder Bug Problem

The simplest way to get rid of boxelder bugs is to work with a local company that has experience eliminating them. For 75 years, Aerex Pest Control has been helping to protect our neighbor's homes and families from troublesome pests. Contact us today to learn more about our home pest control services in Chicago or to request a free estimate.

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