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Some pests are built to be annoying. The boxelder bug is one of them. What makes these pests so annoying? Well, for one, when these pests invade homes, they usually don’t come inside by themselves. It is not uncommon for hundreds of boxelder bugs to invade living areas all at once. This is not only stressful but also raises some serious concerns for homeowners. As we head into winter here in Avon, you should be taking some steps to keep these pests out of your home. To start, here are five helpful tips to keep boxelder bugs away.
Step One: Know Your Enemy
Boxelder bugs are a lot like stink bugs. What makes them similar? Well, both of these pests do not invade homes during the spring and summer months. They are also both agricultural pests. Finally, both stink bugs, and boxelder bugs need warmth to survive. As the cold starts creeping through our area, boxelder bugs will start congregating on the sun-facing walls of buildings. They do this to absorb as much heat as possible. As this tactic becomes less and less effective, these pests will start looking for ways to get indoors. This is where you come in.
Step Two: Seal Gaps And Cracks
One common way boxelder bugs get into area structures is by crawling through foundational cracks and gaps. To seal these gaps, start by purchasing some silicone caulk and a caulking gun at your local hardware store. Next, identify damage in your homes’ exterior foundation. Look for large cracks, gaps around utility piping and wires, and spacing between where your foundation meets the base of your home. Finally, fill in these potential entry points.
Step Three: Fix Damaged Screening
Window and door screens are something you should be replacing at least once every few years or as wear and tear occur. If you have not addressed damage to your home’s screens in a while, we recommend giving them a look over. If they are torn, installed improperly, or damaged in any way that might allow boxelder bugs a way inside, repair or replace them.
Step Four: Make Sure Your Window/Doors Are Seated Properly
As homes get older, windows and doors sometimes shift. Check around your home’s window/door frames to see if there are any gaps or spacing that might allow pests like box elder bugs inside. Seal these potential entry points using a caulking gun.
Step Five: Repair or Replace Damaged Weatherstripping and Door Sweeps
Weatherstripping and door sweep help tremendously to keep pests outdoors. Make sure your home’s weatherstripping and door sweeps are in good working condition. If you don’t have these things, we highly recommend having a professional come over and install some.
Bonus Tip: Call A Professional
It only takes one entry point for dozens of boxelder bugs to find their way into a structure. If you are not up for the task of scouring your home’s exterior doing things like crawling under your porch and squeezing behind bushes, we have a better solution to your problem. Hire the experts at RAM Pest Control. Our team of licensed technicians is trained to deal with overwintering pests like boxelder bugs and would be happy to put their expertise to use in protecting your home and property.
Contact us today to get in touch with one of our friendly pest control representatives. They will discuss your options and help you find one that best fits your need.
