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The Ultimate Guide to Rodent Control
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Boxelder bugs can turn your sunny walls into a crawling nuisance each fall. I’ve seen this as a third-generation technician serving the DMV for over four years. In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify boxelder bugs and the best ways to get rid of boxelder bugs for good.
Boxelder bugs, or Boisea trivittata, are true bugs in the Hemiptera order. According to Virginia Tech entomologists, adult boxelder bugs are about 12 mm long and have a dark brown or black body with reddish-orange markings. Nymphs are bright red in early stages and grow dark wing pads before adulthood.
These pests feed on seedpods of boxelder, maple and ash trees but rarely harm the trees. The University of Maryland Extension notes they congregate on south-facing walls as temperatures drop. This congregation of bugs often leads them to seek shelter indoors, where they overwinter in wall voids, attics, and around windows and doors.
Boxelder bugs don’t bite or transmit disease—NPIC states they are harmless to humans. Yet their droppings can stain curtains, and crushed bugs leave an unpleasant odor. A heavy infestation can draw dozens of these bugs inside the house on warm winter days.
An expert approach uses a mix of inspection, exclusion, and targeted control. Our registered technicians follow these steps:
A thorough inspection pinpoints entry points around siding seams, vents, fascia boards, and utility penetrations. We compare what we see to photos in our Boxelder Bug Identification Guide to confirm the pest.
A shop vac or vacuum cleaner grabs indoor bugs without chemicals. Empty or freeze the bag to prevent stains and odors. This tactic reduces live adult boxelder bugs and nymphs near light fixtures and inside basements.
Timing is key. Penn State Extension recommends applying a residual insecticide barrier in late summer or early fall before bugs start congregating. We treat:
We use EPA-approved professional-grade pyrethroid insecticide for a lasting perimeter barrier.
If a female boxelder tree or maple on your property seeds heavily, boxelder bugs feed on fallen seeds. Rake up seedpods as they fall and dispose of them. In June, our team can spray trunks when nymphs are active to reduce the next generation. If the tree is chronic, consider removing it or replacing it with a male box elder cultivar.
A mid-season check ensures the barrier holds under warmer temperatures and rain. We reapply insecticide if needed and inspect new cracks around your home to keep bugs from entering.
You can complement professional work with DIY steps:
Mix a few drops of Dawn dish soap in water in a spray bottle. Directly spray congregations on siding or tree trunks. The soap and water solution kills bugs on contact.
Apply diatomaceous earth around windows, vents, and fascia boards. This desiccant dust reduces the number of crawling bugs moving toward entry points.
Seal cracks around siding, doors and windows with caulk or weather stripping. Check utility line openings and attic vents. Proper sealing keeps boxelder bugs away and prevents other pests from entering your home.
A tidy yard reduces the source of food and sheltered spots where boxelder bugs may also hide.
Seasonal maintenance is key to preventing return visits from these invasive bugs:
Regular exclusion work makes your home less inviting and reduces reliance on chemical treatments.
If boxelder bugs come back, we’ll return at no extra cost until we hit a good baseline. You’re not locked in—cancel anytime with 30 days’ notice.
Our licensed technicians consult by phone to craft a plan, then perform a 78-point home inspection. We hunt down moisture issues, structural gaps, and conducive conditions before treatment.
Our internal research team eliminated nine harsh chemicals common in the industry. We rely on EPA-approved products we’d use in our own homes, like Essentria, Sentricon, and borate-based solutions.
Don’t let a fall invasion turn your home into a bug buffet. Between professional exclusion work, targeted perimeter treatments, and DIY tips like soapy water sprays, you can keep boxelder bugs away year after year. Call our team today for an estimate at 703-683-2000 or email us at [email protected].
Use an integrated approach: seal entry points, apply timely exterior insecticide barriers, and remove seed sources from female box elder trees.
Professional residual insecticide barriers work best. At home, spot-treat with a mix of dawn dish soap and water in a spray bottle.
Female box elder or maple trees drop seedpods that serve as a major source of food. Warm, sun-lit siding attracts bugs looking for warmth.
Boxelder bugs are attracted to heat-retaining surfaces like light-colored siding. They also feed on seeds of maple and ash trees.
No. Boxelder bugs are harmless to humans. They don’t bite, sting, or transmit disease, but their droppings can stain surfaces.
Maintain a clear perimeter, seal cracks around windows and doors, and keep your yard free of fallen seeds and debris.
With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that’s been protecting homes for over 57 years. He manages and trains a team of service pros while also leading internal research efforts—recently spearheading a deep-dive review of thousands of documents on pest control materials to hand-pick the most kid and pet friendly, most effective solutions tailored specifically for homes in the DC metro area. Read his bio.
