Boxelder Bugs
Description:
Color: Bright red or black with narrow reddish lines on their back
Shape: Elongated-oval, somewhat flattened
Legs: 6
Size: About 1/2 inch long
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes
Prevention:
Since boxelder bugs feed and reproduce primarily on pistillate boxelder trees, removal of these trees, especially around the house, would eliminate nuisance populations. However, adults are capable of flying two ore more miles for suitable hiding places such as piles of boards, rocks, leaves, grass and other debris close to the house. Rake leaves and grass away from the foundation in a six to ten food wide strip, especially on the south and west sides of the structure. Be sure to caulk and close openings where boxelder bugs can enter the house such as around light fixtures, doors and windows, unscreened vents, holes in walls and around utility pipes or conduits, air conditioners, heat pump lines and throughout the foundation. They are also attracted to lights and can fly in open doors or windows. Screen all windows, doors, crawlspaces, exhaust and roof vents and louvers.