All about a pervasive central Texas pest
Boxelder bugs are a fact of life in central Texas. Like many other garden pests, these insects love to reproduce in ornamental trees and other cultivated plants that commonly appear in the region’s gardens. Although they do have some redeeming qualities, they’re notorious for causing serious damage to a wide variety of plants. If you have a boxelder bug infestation, there are a few tips you can follow to mitigate it.
What Are Boxelder Bugs?
Boxelder bugs are half-inch critters that live in and around several species of trees that are native to central Texas. During cold weather, they often burrow under roof shingles and attempt to enter homes through cracks in the wall. They can cause serious damage once they’re inside, so it’s best to keep them outside. Although they’re not members of the same species, red-shouldered bugs and largus bugs behave in a very similar manner.
Where Do They Live?
Boxelder bugs love several types of trees, including:
• Boxelder trees, the most common host plant
• Maple
• Cherry
• Soapberry
• Raintree
• Several varieties of native Texas oaks
If you notice a boxelder infestation in a specific tree, it’s not necessary to remove the tree immediately. Depending on its proximity to your house, the bugs may never attempt to enter your home. However, tree removal should be seriously considered as soon as you detect these bugs in your home.
How to Control and Manage Them
Managing boxelder bugs isn’t an exact science, but certain tactics have proven effective. If you’ve taken the dramatic step of removing their host tree, the problem should take care of itself over the course of several weeks. To prevent them from entering your house, seal cracks and crevices in the walls of your home and patch any broken window screens. Pay special attention to the weather seals on your home’s doors as well as vents and fans that may serve as convenient entry points for the bugs.
Your Pest Control Resource in Bryan-College Station
Whether you’re dealing with a serious boxelder bug problem or have some other creepy-crawly pest complicating things in your garden, you need a proven program of pest control. Our specialists are happy to provide you with the guidance and advice that you need to keep your garden and home looking great in every season. For more information, call us at (979) 361-0500 or visit our Bryan-College Station pest control page. You can also request a free estimate by filling out our online form.