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The Ultimate Guide to Rodent Control
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Boxelder bugs often swarm homes in fall, looking like a red-and-black beetle but really a true bug. As a registered technician with four years in the field, I’ve handled countless invasions. Our third-generation family business has served the DMV for over 50 years, so you’re in good hands.
Boxelder bugs are primarily a nuisance pest that cluster on sunny walls. They don’t damage structures or bite, but large numbers can alarm homeowners.
For more on insect ID, see Common Mosquito Types in DC: How to Identify Local Species and Kinds of Ants: Identifying Different Types in DC Metro.
Adults measure about 0.5 inches (12 mm) long. They have black wings edged with thin red stripes, three red lines on the pronotum, and red eyes.
Unlike beetles, boxelder bugs are true bugs with flat, elongated bodies. Their piercing-sucking mouthparts draw sap instead of chewing leaves.
Boxelder bugs are mostly black with thin red lines. In contrast, large milkweed bugs have broad orange patches, and Stink Bugs are shield-shaped.
Carpet beetles have hard elytra and rounded bodies, not flat shapes. For more on beetles, see Signs of Carpet Beetles: How to Spot an Infestation.
Boxelder bugs follow an incomplete life cycle: egg, nymph, adult.
On female boxelder trees, females lay straw-colored eggs in bark crevices, on leaves, or on seeds on the ground (UNH Extension). Eggs on the leaves turn reddish before hatching.
Freshly hatched nymphs are bright red and go through five instars. As they mature, they develop black wing pads and feed on boxelder seeds (WVU Extension).
After overwintering, adult boxelder bugs emerge in the spring and may mate for a second generation. Two generations per year are common in our region (Penn State).
In fall, boxelder bugs congregate on the south side of walls, eaves, and siding. On sunny days, they gather around windows and doors, seeking warmth. As winter nears, bugs become a nuisance on home exteriors.
Once inside, they hide in wall voids and attic vents, slipping through small entry points. Indoors they remain dormant until temperatures rise.
Shorter days and cooler nights trigger this fall pest to seek shelter. Homes near boxelder or maple trees are most at risk, as bugs enter structures through tiny gaps when attracted to heat.
Insects slip through cracks and crevices in walls, loose siding, and under eaves. Seal these spots to stop an invasion.
Apply weather stripping to window and door frames and cover soffits and vents with fine mesh to block possible entry points.
Boxelder bugs may stain fabrics or walls if crushed, and dead bugs can leave small marks. They can also emit a foul odor when disturbed.
Despite their name, bugs bite myths are false. Their mouthpart can’t pierce human skin or spread disease.
Apply caulk and weather stripping around foundations, vents, and gaps. Inspect seals each fall before cold weather hits.
Removing boxelder trees near foundations cuts local populations. Rake up boxelder seeds and fallen pods to reduce summer breeding sites.
Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to collect bugs. Empty the bag outdoors, then wipe surfaces to remove any stains.
For heavy infestation, a professional pest control service can spot-treat voids with EPA approved insecticide and apply perimeter barriers.
Our licensed technicians dust exterior voids behind siding and around windows to disrupt hibernation sites. We then apply a Bifen IT perimeter barrier for lasting protection.
We offer unlimited callbacks to retreat until you reach a good baseline. No binding contracts mean you can cancel anytime with 30 days notice under The Better Promise.
As a third-generation firm with over 50 years serving the DMV, our internal research team removed nine harsh chemicals from our lineup. We now use products like Essentria and Borate-based solutions, all EPA approved and ones we’d feel comfortable using in our own homes.
Boxelder bugs are true bugs with overlapping wing membranes, while stink bugs have a broad shield shape. Carpet beetles are genuine beetles with hard elytra, unlike the flat body of a boxelder bug.
If you need expert help identifying or treating these pests, call us at 703-683-2000 or email [email protected] for an estimate or any questions.
Boxelder bugs are mostly a nuisance pest. They don’t bite or spread disease, and they cause no structural harm. Their main issue is annoying swarms and occasional stains if crushed.
These red-and-black “beetles” are boxelder bugs. They feed on plant sap outdoors and do not damage your home or bite people. They simply look alarming when they gather.
In fall, cooler temps and shorter days drive these bugs indoors. They’re drawn to warm, sunlit walls, especially on the south side of homes near host trees.
That black body with red stripes is a boxelder bug, a true bug in the Hemiptera order. It uses piercing-sucking mouthparts, not chewing jaws.
To prevent boxelder bugs, seal possible entry points with caulk and weather stripping. Remove seed pods and clear vegetation away from your foundation.
Yes. Vacuum visible bugs and discard the bag outside. Regular checks and sealing gaps help keep them out. For heavy infestations, consider calling a professional.
After overwintering, adult boxelder bugs emerge in the spring, often clustering on warm walls before flying back to host trees.
Boxelder bugs feed primarily on boxelder seeds and leaves, but they may also nibble on other maples or ash trees if numbers are high.
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.
