THE BOXELDER BUG
Being red and black in color, Boxelder Bugs are
easily identified. They leave their host trees during
fall to seek over wintering sites, frequently around
foundations and windows. They often congregate on
the south and west sides of buildings where the
sun warms them during the day and early evening.
Adults are capable of flying two miles or more in
search of suitable hibernation quarters, although
they usually over winter near their host trees.
These insects do not sting and seldom bite, but
become annoying when they invade houses during the
warm days in fall, winter and spring.
Nymphs and adults of the season’s first
generation can be seen on the ground or low vegetation,
feeding on fallen seeds of the boxelder tree. Once
seeds begin to form on the boxelder trees during
mid-summer, the bugs move to the trees. They have
also been observed on seed-bearing silver maple
and sycamore maple trees.
The best time to control boxelder bugs is when
they are congregated on the sides of buildings in
late fall or early spring. In addition, host trees
can also be sprayed with insecticide. A more permanent
solution, can be obtained only by removing the host
tree. If nearby host trees are allowed to remain,
there can be a re-infestation.
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