Boxelder bugs attract our attention more than one time per year as we try to understand and control this pest.
First of all, boxelder bugs are not just a spring or fall insect pest; however spring and fall seem to be the most active times for these bugs.
Boxelders usually have two broods: spring and fall.
As spring approaches, the boxelder bug that has overwintered in any structure becomes active. If one sees this bug inside the home during colder temperatures, it probably means that this insect entered the home in the fall season to overwinter in your home coming in through soffits, around doors and windows, under siding or entering at the roof line or vents.
Outside the home after hibernation, the boxelder bugs fly back to host trees: boxelder, silver maple, ash and apple pear and plum trees. What is very interesting is that the boxelder feeds on leaves and tender seed pods.
Since we know that is true, we can understand why most boxelder bug activity is mainly on and around the female of the species of trees. Male trees rarely have large populations of the bug because they don’t produce those desired seed pods.
Most of the time the new hatch of boxelder bugs occurs in April and May. Why would that information be useful to the average homeowner?
The answer is quite simple. Before the emergence is the best time to do exterior perimeter treatments to structures. What we don’t want is for the boxelder bug to hatch out near trees that provide a food supply then seek out harborages that have heat loss which acts like a magnet.
This problem occurs in early spring or fall when nights are cool and days are warm. The very fact that our furnaces are on provide a beacon saying come on over its warm in here.
Another element to consider is that these insects are drawn to structures that are white, yellow or pastel colors because the colors reflect heat which makes a very enticing environment for insects especially on the south and west sides that receive the most sunlight.
Here is the wrap up!
The best time to do an exterior perimeter treatment is before the spring and fall broods emerge by placing a pesticide with a good residual to be there before they appear.
This simple proactive act is most effective in controlling boxelder bugs.
