Box Elder Bug Treatment
STINK BUGS, LADYBUGS, BOX ELDER BUGS
Stink bugs, ladybugs, and box elder bugs all live outside in the spring and summer months. Unfortunately, in the fall they often enter homes in an attempt to “winter over” by living in your walls or attic undetected by you. More often, you will see them in early Spring on a warm day. At that point, they are trying to get out of your home.
Sometimes, the best box elder bug control is to let them leave on their own! We don’t treat for these pests at this time and recommend you vacuum them up as you see them and the others will eventually find their way outside.
Box Elder Bugs
Their common name reflects the fact that they are a significant pest of Boxelder trees. Boxelder bugs are primarily a nuisance pest because they enter structures mainly in late fall to winter-over. The over-wintering adults emerge from hibernation when the Boxelder tree buds open, and they fly back to their host trees.
They first feed on the fallen Boxelder seeds and later move to the female Boxelder trees when the seeds form, feeding on the newly developed leaves. We also know Boxelder bugs to feed on seed-bearing Silver Maples trees and fruits of plum and apple trees. In the fall, Boxelder bugs congregate on the south side (sunny side) of rocks, trees, and buildings. After large masses gather, they fly to nearby buildings to hibernate for the winter.
Once inside the Boxelder bug is primarily a nuisance pest. However, their fecal materials may cause red stains, resulting in discoloration on curtains, drapes, clothing, or other resting places. Since Boxelder bugs can cause staining and are also known to bite, the best temporary relief is using a vacuum to remove the pests.
Stink Bugs
You killed a bug and wow did it STINK! Hence the name “stink bug.” The stink bug variety most common in West Michigan is approximately 1-inch long, brown with distinctive markings on the back of its wings.
Ladybugs
In an attempt to decrease the use of pesticides and control aphids from damaging crops, the Asian ladybug was raised and released in 1916 and 1964. Unfortunately, this ladybug likes to live in warm homes in the winter. Although Lady Bugs are among the most beneficial insects because they eat aphids and other insects, they are causing a considerable annoyance inside and outside the homes/buildings; especially in late fall when they try to enter to hibernate over winter.
Stink Bug, Ladybug & Box Elder Bug Control Treatment
The treatment is the same for all three of these pests and has proven to be very useful. Typically in October after our first frost is when these three insects will attempt to enter your home for the winter. A one-time application of our water-based box elder bug control treatment can prevent them from coming in to nest for the winter. We apply our water-based treatment to both the exterior and interior or your home.
