If you’ve noticed small, black-and-red bugs gathering around your windows or doors in the fall, you’re not alone. Boxelder bugs are a common nuisance for Georgia homeowners, especially as the weather cools down. Here’s what you need to know about these pests, why they show up, and how you can keep them out of your home.
What Are Boxelder Bugs?
Boxelder bugs are about half an inch long, black with distinctive orange or red markings along their backs. They’re named after the boxelder tree, but they’re also found on other maples and ash trees. While they don’t bite, sting, or cause structural damage, their sheer numbers and tendency to invade homes can be a real headache.
Why Do Boxelder Bugs Invade Homes?
In Georgia, boxelder bugs are most active in the fall. As temperatures drop, they look for warm places to spend the winter, often gathering on the sunny sides of homes before squeezing into cracks and crevices to get indoors. While they don’t reproduce inside, they can become a nuisance by appearing in living spaces during warm winter days.
Are Boxelder Bugs Dangerous?
The good news: boxelder bugs are harmless to people and pets. They don’t bite, and they don’t spread disease. However, they can stain walls, curtains, and furniture with their excrement, and when crushed, they sometimes emit a foul odor.
How Can You Prevent Boxelder Bugs?
The best way to keep boxelder bugs out is to block their entry points:
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks around windows, doors, siding, and utility openings. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps.
- Repair Screens: Make sure window and door screens are in good shape and fit tightly.
- Check Attics and Basements: Boxelder bugs often hide in attics, wall voids, and basements. Ensure these areas are well-sealed.
- Remove Attractants: If you have boxelder or maple trees close to your home, consider trimming back branches that overhang the house.
What to Do If You Have an Infestation
If boxelder bugs have already made their way inside, avoid crushing them—vacuum them up instead and dispose of the bag promptly. For larger infestations or recurring problems, professional pest control can help eliminate the bugs and prevent future invasions.
Need Help with Boxelder Bugs?
At Arbor Pest Management, I offer safe, effective solutions to keep your home pest-free year-round. If you’re dealing with boxelder bugs or any other pest issues, give me a call at 678-464-5226 or contact me online. I’m here to help you protect your home with fast, friendly service.
