Boxelder bugs are usually found around boxelder trees. They are considered a nuisance pest that invades structures, including homes, sheds and garages to stay warm through winter. Boxelder bugs are generally a problem when they move into these places during fall and appear in the spring. If these pests die or get squished in wall voids their bodies will attract various types of beetles, which will in turn cause a larger infestation in your home. These pests commonly come out of hibernation between March and April. If you see this nuisance pest during early spring it is highly recommended to call a professional pest technician in to handle the situation before it becomes an infestation.
A good preventative measure against these bugs is to repair holes in screens, cracks around entrances to the home should be sealed and all exterior entrances should have bottom sweeps on them. A temporary solution if you see these bugs is to use a vacuum cleaner to remove them and immediately discard the bag.
The fecal matter from these nuisance bugs can leave a red stain on curtains, rugs, clothes, etc. Boxelder bugs are black with red/orange colors on their backs. Their bodies have 6 legs, 2 antennae, are flat and oval and about a 1/2 inch in length. If these bugs are crushed they will produce a strong unpleasant odor. So a quick vacuum around windows, vents, doors, etc will help prevent the smell if you see any amount of these bugs.
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