Boxelder Bug Tree Infestation: What To Do When They Arrive
Not many tree insects will journey as far as this bug. These little red and black insects are devoted! They’ll fly approximately two miles looking for trees to feed upon in the spring and to find comfortable houses to hibernate in throughout winter. Pretty harmless, these bugs are however a major nuisance when they show up on your property.
Here you will find out what makes them come around and what you can do about it once they arrive. These bugs eat trees in the spring and summertime, look for shelter in the cracks and crevices of homes in winter season, and come back with a revenge next spring!
Break the cycle with these ideas
Their food of choice is boxelder seed pods, which can only be found on the female variation of the tree. They’ll also eat maples and ash trees, or even fruit plants, like strawberry and raspberry.
WHAT DRAWS IN BOXELDER BUGS?
Where there are boxelder trees, which are actually a kind of maple, these bugs won’t be far behind! The draw of the tree’s seeds are irresistible to them. Fortunately, this kind of tree is pretty rare in many locations. Not many people care to plant it because of its weak structure, obnoxious seeds and bug-attracting power. It can be common along streams and in bottomland areas.
ARE BOXELDER BUGS HARMFUL TO TREES?
They can be quite the bother but aren’t known to cause any harm. Their feeding can cause some trees to develop yellow leaves, however the trees’ health isn’t at risk.
WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT A BOXELDER INFESTATION ON TREES?
Trees are a pit stop for these bugs to feed and lay eggs before hibernating in your home for the winter season. So, while handling an invasion on trees isn’t a requirement, it might be useful in some circumstances. Ridding your home of these bugs begins with the tree because that’s what brought them to your lawn.
One way to handle this invasion is to remove any female boxelder trees near your house. Female tree seeds are the biggest draw for the bugs, so cutting off their food supply can stop them from visiting your yard. Due to the fact that these bugs can fly long distances, merely removing all the boxelder trees on your residential or commercial property might not resolve the problem, if there are extra trees nearby.
You can also seal up cracks and crevices around windows, doors, or other entry points to help reduce the varieties of bugs that can get into your home throughout the fall.
If you are dead set on keeping your tree and tired of seeing these bugs, talk to your local tree service company” about something more direct. For instance, a pesticide, when used in early summer season, will target the insects just as a new generation emerges. Your certified arborist can help you determine the very best strategy.
CAN YOU CONTROL BOXELDER BUGS WITH DISH SOAP OR TRAPS?
A flush of soapy water can get rid of these weird crawlers who are invading your home or trees. Diluted dish washing soap or insecticidal soap will do the trick without damaging nearby plants.