Pests We Treat - Attack of the boxelder bugs in Little Silver, NJ

I was dispatched to resolve a heavy boxelder bug infestation in Little Silver, NJ. As shown in the video, these bugs are attempting to use a void in the structure to find their way inside a home. Why are they so intent on coming inside? Boxelder bugs live and breed in our gardens and yards throughout the summer, feeding on low vegetation and seeds on the ground. As temperatures begin to drop, they begin to search for a place to overwinter and protect themselves from the harsh outdoor elements. This search usually happens throughout September and October. Some of these bugs choose to overwinter in natural locations like dead trees and in leaf debris. The problem arises when others want to use our homes as their winter retreat.

Prevention is the key for making sure that boxelder bugs spend their winter outdoors in dead trees instead of your home. First, survey the perimeter of your home to locate potential entry points where bugs can enter. Take extra care when looking on the south side of your home. This is where boxelder bugs are most likely to congregate as they seek out the warm sunshine. Pay special attention to cracks around your windows, doors, and chimneys. Also, make sure that there are no cracks that would allow these bugs to get behind your siding or fascia boards. Any cracks, holes, or crevices are potential entry ways into your home. Once you have found any potential entry points, sealing any cracks. Use a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk. Finding and fixing all the cracks in the exterior of your home is easier said than done. It’s a daunting task. If you are able to do it, be methodical and do a section at a time; you don’t have to do your whole house in a single day. If you don’t have the time or physical ability to do do your own sealing, it’s worthwhile to hire a handyman.

Sealing cracks isn’t just to keep out boxelder bogs. It also keeps out all sorts of insects trying to find a way inside your home, including stink bugs and ants. Also, sealing cracks in the foundation helps keep out water. Water seepage into the foundation can cause all sorts of problems from attracting pests to promoting mold growth in your basement or crawl space. A well-maintained foundation will go a long way toward protecting your home investment.

If you have had more than a few boxelder bugs crawling in or around your home like this homeowner in Little Silver, we have preventative measures to head off a full-blown infestation. We can keep these overwintering pests were they belong -- on the outside looking in.