Why Boxelder Bugs Show Up in Large Numbers in October
Boxelder bugs are active during warmer months, but their behavior changes with decreasing temperatures in fall. By October, cooler nights in Barrie lead them to seek refuge in some sheltered spot where they will be able to stay alive through winter.
This migration pattern is one of the reasons why homeowners will often encounter many bugs even when there were relatively few during summer. A Barrie pest control expert can confirm whether the insects are boxelder bugs if identification is uncertain.
Warm Surfaces Attract Large Groups
Boxelder Bugs become more prominent during sunny days in autumn. Boxelder Bugs tend to congregate where heat is generated from the sun, especially during the hotter periods of the day.
Walls that get a few hours of sunlight will usually feel warmer than the ambient air, which may serve to attract boxelder bugs in large numbers.
These boxelder bugs may be in small clusters initially but form larger ones as conditions become favorable.
Cooler Weather Changes Their Behaviour
As daytime temperatures decrease, boxelder bugs will spend less time feeding and more time looking for a safe place.
This does not imply that such an immediate gathering of bugs means that there is a fresh infestation. The truth of the matter is that what people witness are merely changes in behavior that occur due to temperature changes.
Activity levels may fluctuate quickly; one day they are seen in large numbers and the next, their presence becomes less obvious due to reduced temperatures.
When the Numbers Seem Unusually High
A couple of boxelder bugs seen around your property during the fall season is quite normal. If the bugs show up in large numbers, though, then the problem becomes a nuisance.
You might be seeing several to hundreds of bugs clustered together. The high level of activity can become evident especially if the property is surrounded by trees that serve as their source of sustenance during the warm months.
The real problem, however, lies indoors rather than outdoors.
How to Tell If You’re Looking at Boxelder Bugs
Look for Black Bodies With Red or Orange Markings
The adults measure between 12 to 14 millimeters long, have black coloration, but have thin lines of orange or red on their wings and the area behind their heads.
Their wings rest flat on their backs when they are at rest.
The immature forms of the boxelder bugs are called nymphs and differ in appearance from the adults. They are smaller than the adults and bright red in color.
Watch How and Where They Gather
Boxelder bugs are often easily recognizable in that they tend to come out in groups rather than hide completely.
They may be found clustered around areas heated by sunlight on warm autumn days. Additionally, they may also cluster in protected areas when the temperature starts cooling off.
The sighting of numerous insects of the same kind that are both red and black during October suggests boxelder bugs.
Boxelder Bugs vs. Stink Bugs
Boxelder bugs can be easily mistaken for stink bugs as both tend to become obvious in fall.
The appearances are quite distinct upon closer inspection.
Boxelder bugs are more elongated and have distinct red or orange colorations. The stink bugs have shield-like bodies and can appear brown or grey.
Correct identification helps to make the decision on how to deal with the infestation.
What Happens When Boxelder Bugs Start Showing Up Indoors
Finding boxelder bugs inside can be quite irritating, but it is more of an irritation than being dangerous for the health and well-being of the residents. Understanding the meaning of indoor pests can assist homeowners in dealing with this situation without making it worse.
Boxelder bugs can cause annoyance but not damage.
They Usually Do Not Bite or Damage Household Materials
Box elder bugs do not bite or sting humans, either. Moreover, box elder bugs do not feed on any furniture, clothing, stored food, or wood used for construction.
Upon entering the home, the box elder bugs search for a place to stay, rather than food.
Therefore, finding box elder bugs in the house is not an indication of destructive behavior that pests such as termites or carpenter ants exhibit.
Crushing Them Can Cause Stains and Odours
Even though boxelder bugs are not very destructive, the act of crushing them could pose a new problem.
Their crushed bodies will stain any light-coloured surface such as walls, curtains, and upholstery with a reddish to brown colour. They could also cause an offensive odour.
Therefore, homeowners are advised not to crush any of these insects that they see.
They May Reappear During Warm Winter Days
Activity of box elder bugs inside homes doesn’t necessarily stop when winter sets in.
Insects that have stayed protected during cold times may come alive again when the temperatures rise due to warmth from indoor heating or even a warm day during winter. Homeowners may suddenly see many insects moving about even though it’s cold outdoors.
It does not necessarily indicate a fresh invasion by the bugs. It could be existing bugs that have been staying hidden and come alive again.
What Barrie Homeowners Can Do When Numbers Increase
Remove Small Numbers without Crushing Them
Vacuuming is an effective means of dealing with sporadic boxelder bugs indoors.
Vacuuming enables the homeowner to get rid of the insects without killing them against the wall, floor or fabric surfaces. The vacuum cleaner should be cleaned accordingly such that the insects do not remain inside it. Individual insects can also be captured if possible.
It’s that simple!
Avoid Treating Every Visible Bug as a Separate Problem
In cases where there is an outbreak of boxelder bugs, continuous spraying and smashing of the insects one by one might not be enough to solve the problem of their seasonality.
Fall outbreaks might include many insects that react to the same temperature and light conditions. Thus, killing a few bugs might mean nothing if there are many more around.
Homeowners should concentrate on the degree and the continuity of the activity.
Know When Heavy Activity Deserves Professional Attention
Professional pest management services might be considered in cases where boxelder bugs are found in abundance or the activity is proving to be problematic.
The professional can verify if the bugs are indeed boxelder bugs and then determine how serious the activity in the area is.
In Barrie, the important thing is not to panic at the sight of a few bugs. But heavy or frequent boxelder bug activity does warrant a closer look and action from Simcoe PestX.