News & Information
Boxelder Bug Control for Trees
June 26, 2006
Boxelder bugs usually are considered overwintering pests when the adults enter warm structures in the fall to survive the cold winter months. But, what can you do when you have a tree infested by boxelder bugs?
Let's start by identifying a boxelder bug. adults are long narrow bugs, about 1/2" long. Coloration is dark-brown to black with three red stripes on the pronotal shield (the hard area behind the head). The wing veins are also red and so is the abdomen under the wings. Immature boxelder bugs (nymphs) are smaller, rounder versions of the adult and almost the exact reverse in coloration, being bright red with black outer margins.
Boxelder bugs feed primarily on female, seed bearing boxelder trees. They will also feed on silver maples, sycamores, ash and a variety of sweet fruit-bearing trees such as apple. pear, peach and the like. They do little actual damage to the trees they infest but are quite annoying when present both indoors and out in great numbers.
The best measure to control a boxelder bug infestation on your property is to remove the infested tree. If this is not an option, residual applications of insecticides can be applied to the tree in late spring or early summer. Due to the height of the tree and density of foliage, this can be difficult at best and total elimination is usually not acheived. Perimeter applications around the home in late summer and early fall will help reduce congregated boxelder bugs before they enter the structure. Good exclusion in the form of sealed foundation vents, soffits, utility penetrations and window and door frames is also highly recommended.
Contact Action Pest Control today if you need help with a boxelder bug problem.