Boxelder Bugs in Kansas City
What are Boxelder bugs in Kansas City?
Boxelder bugs in Kansas City are a pest of ornamental plants, ash, maple, fruit trees, and homes during Spring, Autumn, and Winter. They complete 1-2 generations yearly, and the female will overwinter in your home. They are black with conspicuous red markings along the lateral and medial margins of the Pronotum—eggs laid in small clutches preferentially on seed pods of female trees or bark or leaves.
The Boxelder bug in Kansas City is in the order Hemiptera which means half wings. In addition, They are bright red to black and red and will gather in the thousands around your home, under siding around windows, and between the home walls. They do not damage your home physically but can secrete a fluid-like substance that can stain many surfaces.
Treatment around your home, under siding, and around doors and windows will help control this pest. Keeping debris and leaf litter away from your home will also significantly reduce the number of these pests around your home. Boxelder bugs are considered occasional invaders and not a natural pest to the home.
Tips on controlling boxelder bugs around your home
Boxelder bugs are a common nuisance pest in many parts of the United States. Furthermore, They are attracted to buildings with a lot of southern or western exposure, and they often congregate in large numbers on warm rocks, trees, and facilities where the sun hits. In the fall, they migrate to nearby buildings or homes to overwinter. These pests hide in small cracks and crevices in walls to insulate themselves from the cold winter temperatures.
Boxelder bugs are not known to cause structural damage to homes, but they can be a nuisance. Their feces can stain light-colored surfaces, and smashing them can release an unpleasant odor. A few things can be done to control boxelder bugs around your home.
Control around your home
- Seal around doors and windows. This will help to prevent them from getting inside in the first place.
- Patch cracks. To prevent boxelder bugs from getting inside, patch any cracks or crevices in the exterior of your home.
- Eliminate wood piles and debris. Boxelder bugs are attracted to wood, so it’s essential to eliminate any wood piles or debris around your home.
- Use a vacuum cleaner indoors. If you find boxelder bugs inside, you can vacuum them up and dispose of the bag promptly.
- Spray away with a garden hose. If you see a large number of boxelder bugs congregating on your property, you can spray them away with a garden hose.
- Apply an insecticide. Several insecticides can be used to control boxelder bugs. However, using these products carefully and according to the label instructions is essential.
Furthermore, If you have a problem with boxelder bugs around your home, you can do several things to control them. By taking these steps, you can help to keep these pests out of your home and prevent them from causing any problems.
In addition to the above, here are some other tips for preventing boxelder bugs:
- Plant trees that boxelder bugs don’t like, such as oak, pine, or ash.
- Trim any boxelder trees that are near your home.
- Keep your lawn mowed and free of debris.
- Seal any cracks or holes in your foundation.
- Install weatherstripping around your doors and windows.
By following these tips, you can help to keep boxelder bugs away from your home.
Jeffery Preece BCE,PHE
Jeffery Preece is the owner and technical director of ZipZap Termite & Pest Control
