LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Throughout the winter, box elder bugs are often found migrating within the walls of people’s homes as a result of the cold weather, remaining somewhat inactive.
Box elder bugs are beetle-like insects about a half-inch in length that are black or dark grey with red stripes lining the outside of their wings and thorax.
“The boxelder [bug] is attracted to the unmated female boxelder tree. They are attracted to the sap as well as the female maple tree,” stated Chris Hahn, GM of BUGMAN, a professional extermination business based out of Henrietta.
Hahn also claims that the bugs, “work their way in around the gaps of doors and windows,” and that they invade houses during the fall by living within the walls. Although they are pests the boxelder bugs do not damage homes, but when crushed, they can emit a foul odor and leave a reddish stain on furniture and carpets.
“What we do is come in and treat the inside of your home with a residual so when they gravitate towards the light they pick up the material and die,” said Hahn.
There is little that can be done for prevention during the winter season once they have already migrated within homes, as fall and summer are best times for treatment. Removing any female boxelder trees can help prevent the bugs from coming back.
“If you can locate the tree and remove it, or plant a male boxelder tree that should help,” stated Hahn.
For treatment, call BUG MAN at (585) 334-3880 in Henrietta, or visit www.bugmanrochester.com.