Now that autumn is here, you may notice Riverton, Utah's cooling temperatures. Boxelder bugs notice the same and start moving toward warmer places, such as inside your home, garage, or shed.
Boxelder bugs are most abundant during hot, dry summers like we have just had. The best time to deal with an infestation is the fall, so you are right on time.
If you are wondering how to get rid of boxelder bugs, we are here to help. Maybe you have seen baby boxelder bugs on your property, or you're looking for tips on avoiding boxelder bug bites.
If you have been searching for pest control in Riverton, you have come to the right place. At Tanner Pest Control, we want you to enjoy your home and property year-round. Our technicians have the training needed to identify boxelder bugs in and around your Riverton house. Let us help you eliminate boxelder bugs and restore your peace of mind.
How to Identify A Boxelder Bug
Before we go over how to get rid of boxelder bugs, it helps to ensure that we are indeed dealing with them. If you aren't sure what a boxelder bug looks like, here are some tips to help you identify them:
- Black with reddish or orange marks on their back
- Long and oval and have a flattened appearance
- About half an inch long
- Six legs
- Antennae are about half the length of the body
- Wings (although if you find baby boxelder bugs on your property, they may be wingless)
While you can find boxelder bugs practically anywhere, they are most commonly seen on sidewalks and congregated around heat sources such as exterior A/C units.
The Biggest Problem With Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs reproduce rapidly. If you have found boxelder bugs in your Riverton house, you already know they can be quite a nuisance. A boxelder bug infestation can be overwhelming to deal with without a professional. Their tendency to invade indoor living spaces in large numbers makes it even more challenging to eliminate boxelder bugs.
Boxelder bugs leave behind fecal matter on carpeting and upholstery, and when squished, they emit a terrible smell and stain. Our skilled technicians are available to answer your questions about boxelder bugs. For example, a frequent concern is how to avoid boxelder bug bites. The good news here is that they rarely bite humans or pets. Primarily they will only puncture skin when handled, leaving a red spot similar to mosquitos.
Factors That Attract Boxelder Bugs To Your Property
There are a number of factors that could attract boxelder bugs to your property, including:
- Yards with a lot of clutter or debris offer them lots of hiding spaces and are susceptible to boxelder bug infestations.
- Boxelder bugs are attracted to boxelder trees, especially female pod-bearing ones.
- They like the pods on the grass and patio areas.
- Any weeds or overgrown grass within 10 feet of the foundation can attract boxelder bugs.
If these factors are present around your home, don't be surprised if boxelder bugs find their way to it. When that happens, it's always best to call a professional pest control provider for help.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Boxelder Bugs
When the bugs have entered your home, they will hide in dark, quiet places, like attics, wall voids, and under floors. It is important to note that you should not attempt to kill the boxelder bugs in the wall voids because the dead insect bodies attract other insects. It is often not worth destroying the bugs you can see, as they leave behind a stain when squished. For temporary relief, you may use a vacuum cleaner to remove them. Be sure to remove the bag so none of the bugs can escape.
If you suspect a boxelder bug infestation, hiring a professional to inspect and assess the property is best. At Tanner Pest Control, we train our technicians to eliminate boxelder bugs. Call us today and find out why professional boxelder bug removal is the way to go!