What are boxelder bugs?

They're creepy, crawly and everywhere. Brandon Miller with Edge Pest Control talks about a common Utah pest: Boxelder Bugs.

What are Boxelder bugs?

Boxelder bugs are about inch long. They have a flattened elongated oval body. They are mostly black in color with 3 red lines on its thorax. Boxelder bugs are often a nuisance around, and in homes.

Where do they come from?

Boxelder bugs reproduce and feed on many different types of plants., especially on box elder trees. They feed on the seed and leaves of female box elder trees and other fruits. Box elder trees are one of Utah's native tree species. These are most often found in the mountains and foothills, but they can also be found in valley locations.

Why are there so many boxelder bugs?

In the spring female boxelder bugs lay eggs in the crevices of the box elder tree bark. Those eggs hatch a few weeks later and grow during the summer. The new generation mature, then lay their eggs, and those hatch and develop in the early fall. They seek for warmth. That is why more people will see them covering the west and south sides of their home. They also find shelter under rocks and boards, cracks and crevices in walls, around windows and doors and other places.

How can Edge Pest Control help?

Our pet and human friendly products work extremely well on box elder bugs. We focus on treating those areas where box elder bugs like to nest around the home. The products that we use stay on the home after we treat so if new box elder bugs come, the product will continue to offer a lasting protection around the home.

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What are boxelder bugs?