Pest ID Additions 2021: Boxelder Bugs

BOXELDER BUG

POPULAR PRODUCTS

[IMAGE] Amdro Quick Kill Insect Killer for Lawn & Landscape Ready to S pray

[IMAGE] Amdro Quick Kill Insect Killer for Lawn & Landscape Concentrate

BOXELDER BUG IDENTIFICATION

Adult boxelder bugs are black with three bright orange-red stripes right behind their heads. Their flat black wings, edged in orange-red, overlap on their backs to form an orange-red "X." Adult boxelder bugs grow up to 1/2 inch long. Eggs laid in spring are bright rusty red. These pests often go unnoticed until fall, when they attempt to enter warm homes for winter.

Newly hatched boxelder bugs are small nymphs that measure just 1/16 inch. The nymphs are bright red and wingless, but their shape is similar to adults. As they mature and develop wings, nymphs change in color to black and orange-red. Boxelder bugs are true bugs that belong to the same insect family as stink bugs. Like stink bugs, boxelder bugs emit an unpleasant odor when crushed.

SIGNS OF BOXELDER BUGS

Boxelder bugs are most prevalent during hot, dry summers. The nymphs and adults are found feeding on trees and plants all summer long. Their piercing and sucking mouthparts suck out plant sap, but they typically cause minimal damage to healthy, unstressed plants. Female boxelder trees are a favorite host.

These nuisance pests start gathering on warm southern- and western-facing home foundations and walls in late summer. Then they force their way inside through tiny cracks. Like invasive lady beetles, they emerge indoors on warm winter days, staining surfaces until they're swept or vacuumed away. Boxelder bugs don't bite, but they do fill your home and vacuum cleaner with their foul smell.

HOW TO CONTROL BOXELDER BUGS

Effective boxelder control requires stopping these pests before they make their way into your home. Keep your foundation clear of leaf debris where these pests may hide. Inspect and seal any foundation cracks or openings that provide easy entry. Then treat at the earliest sign of boxelder bugs moving from trees and plants to your home. Amdro brand offers two excellent options to protect your home against boxelder bug invasions:

Amdro Quick Kill Insect Killer for Lawn & Landscape Ready to Spray works in minutes to kill boxelder bugs and keeps working for up to three months. This product measures and mixes automatically as you spray. Just attach the container to a regular garden hose. Then spray your lawn, plant surfaces and your home's foundation up to a height of 2 feet.
Amdro Quick Kill Insect Killer for Lawn & Landscape Concentrate, designed for use with a pump-style sprayer, comes with a convenient measuring cap that makes it simple to get just the right amount. This product kills boxelder bugs by contact, then keeps protecting your home and landscape for up to three months. Treat trees, shrubs and your foundation up to a maximum height of 2 feet.

BOXELDER BUG CONTROL TIPS

If you see large numbers of boxelder bugs during summer, don't wait for these pests to make their move. A preventative treatment in late summer keeps your house protected when fall arrives.

Always read product labels and follow the instructions carefully. Amdro and Amdro Quick Kill are registered trademarks of Central Garden & Pet Company.