Springville is known for its beautiful landscape and friendly people. But there’s one thing that’s been giving residents a bit of a headache lately: boxelder bugs. These little pests have been showing up in droves, and no one knows quite how to get rid of them. The pros at Bug Wranglers are here to help. We’ll go over everything you need to know about boxelder bugs: what they are, what attracts them, how long they live, and how to get rid of them. We’ll also how to get rid of boxelder bugs on your property with professional pest control in Springville.
How Did Boxelder Bugs Get Their Name?
These little black and red bugs got their name from their preferred host: the boxelder tree. These pests are also sometimes called “boxelder beetles.” You can identify a boxelder bug by its black body with red stripes running down its back. Adult boxelder bugs are about half an inch long, and nymphs (baby boxelder bugs) are about ¼ of an inch long. Both adults and nymphs have wings, but they don’t fly very well. You’re more likely to see them crawling around than flying. Baby boxelder bugs on your property will look like small, wingless versions of adults.
What Are Boxelder Bugs Attracted To?
Boxelder bugs in Springville are attracted to two things: boxelder trees and warmth. In the spring and summer, these pests feed on the leaves, flowers, and seeds of boxelder trees. In the fall, boxelder bugs start looking for a place to spend the winter. They’re attracted to warm places like the sunny side of buildings or rocks. They’ll also enter homes and other structures through cracks and crevices in search of warmth. Once inside, they’ll hibernate until springtime.
Boxelder bugs are mostly harmless. They don’t bite or sting, and they don’t carry any diseases that can harm humans or animals. There’s no need to worry about avoiding boxelder bug bites, but they can be a nuisance if they invade your home in large numbers. They’ll congregate in sunny spots inside your home and can be difficult to get rid of. Additionally, crushing boxelder bugs can stain surfaces like walls and furniture.
How Long Do Boxelder Bugs Live For?
The lifespan of a boxelder bug depends on the time of year. Adult bugs can live for several months, but they typically die off in the winter. Nymphs usually only survive for one to two months. However, if they find a warm place to spend the winter (like the inside of your home), they can live for up to two years. This means that you could have boxelder bugs in your home for several winters in a row if they’re not removed. Contact Bug Wranglers for effective boxelder bug control in Springville that will eliminate these pests for good.
What Causes Boxelder Bug Infestations And How Do I Get Rid Of Them?
Some factors that can lead to a boxelder bug problem include:
- A large number of boxelder trees in the area
- An abundance of food (leaves, flowers, and seeds) for the bugs to feed on
- A lack of predators (birds, spiders, ladybugs, etc.) to keep the population in check
- Warm weather in the fall and winter (this allows the bugs to survive and reproduce)
If you’re struggling with a boxelder bug infestation, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them:
- Remove any dead leaves, flowers, and seeds from around your property. This will eliminate their food source and make your property less attractive to them.
- Trim back any overgrown bushes or trees. This will reduce hiding spots for the bugs and make it easier to spot them.
- Seal any cracks or crevices in your home’s foundation, windows, and doors. This will prevent the bugs from getting inside.
- Call the experts at Bug Wranglers. We’ll work quickly to eliminate the infestation and keep the bugs from coming back.
Don’t let a boxelder bug infestation in you Springville home get you down. If you’re dealing with these pests, contact Bug Wranglers today. We’re experts at getting rid of boxelder bugs and all other pests in Springville. We offer a variety of services to help get rid of boxelder bugs and other pests for good. Give us a call today to get started, and to learn more.