Description:
Many people suffer from infestations of Boxelder bugs. These bugs mainly infest Manitoba Maple (Boxelder) trees. In the fall the Boxelder Bug will over winter under the bark of the elder tree, or in urban areas, under the siding or between the brick of houses. In the spring they emerge in large numbers from their winter voids and multiply quickly. Home owners will find them a nuisance when they emerge from the voids into the home instead of outdoors. Severe cases will have Boxelder Bugs emerging into the home sporadically all winter long. This winter emergence has become more of a problem with our warmer weather.
Since Boxelder Bugs infest trees and bushy vegetation, the most effective control method is also the least desirable. That is to chop down and remove all infested trees, organic matter and vegetation from around the home. If you wish to save your trees, it is best to treat the tree with a registered insecticide and use screens and exterior caulking to seal even the smallest entranceways into the home. Treat the exterior of your home with a registered microencapsulated pesticide during the early spring and late summer to control Boxelder Bugs as they leave and then try to re-infest your home.
