Boxelder bugs invade homes in late fall
When the weather cools down, boxelder bugs start searching for warmth, and unfortunately, your home is one of their favourite destinations.
These flat, black-and-red insects don’t bite or cause major damage, but they can show up in large numbers on sunny walls, windows, and inside attics or basements.
They gather in swarms during late fall, trying to slip inside through cracks, vents, or loose window frames to escape the cold. Once they’re indoors, they can be annoying and hard to control without the right approach.
Boxelder bugs vs. stink bugs — what’s the difference?
It’s easy to mix up boxelder bugs with stink bugs since both show up in late fall and cluster around windows.
Here’s how to tell them apart:
- Boxelder bugs are black with red-orange markings and have a more slender, elongated shape.
- Stink bugs are rounder, brown or gray, and release a strong odour when crushed.
While neither poses a danger to people, both can become a nuisance when they overwinter inside homes.
Step 1: Identify and seal entry points
Walk around the outside of your home and look for gaps near doors, windows, vents, and siding.
Use silicone-based caulking or weather stripping to seal cracks, and make sure screens are intact.
Pay special attention to sunny sides of the house where boxelder bugs tend to cluster.
Step 2: Vacuum and remove visible bugs
Once they’re inside, avoid squishing them — it can leave stains and an unpleasant odour.
Instead, use a shop vacuum or handheld vacuum to remove visible bugs from walls, windows, and ceilings.
Empty the vacuum bag outdoors immediately to prevent them from escaping.
Step 3: Use insecticidal sprays for heavy infestations
If you’re seeing dozens (or hundreds) of boxelder bugs inside or around your windows, you may need a targeted treatment.
Use a residual insecticidal spray labeled for exterior use around door frames, windows, and foundation cracks.
For indoor areas, choose low-toxicity sprays or contact a pest control professional for safe application.
We generally recommend contacting a pest control professional when any kind of spraying is involved. This ensures safety and licensed technicians have access to the most effective products unlicensed individuals can’t purchase.
Step 4: Prevent future infestations
Once they’re gone, prevention is key.
- Keep windows and door seals tight year-round.
- Vacuum occasionally through winter to catch stragglers.
- During spring, trim back boxelder trees near your home — these trees are the main breeding grounds for the bugs.
When to call the professionals
Boxelder bugs may not bite, but large infestations can be frustrating and persistent.
If they keep returning each year, professional pest control treatments can help eliminate existing bugs and seal up common entry points permanently.
👉 Contact Avayda Pest Control for guaranteed service — and enjoy peace of mind knowing that if the pests come back, so do we.
