Each fall in Michigan, you may see red and black bugs clustering on the sunny sides of your home. These are boxelder bugs. They don’t bite or damage structures, but when they appear in large numbers, they can become a significant nuisance indoors.
As temperatures drop, boxelder bugs seek warm places to spend the winter. Homes, attics, and wall voids become easy hiding spots until spring. In Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, many homeowners see these bugs gathering near windows, siding, or on the sunny sides of buildings during this time of year.
Knowing what draws boxelder bugs to your home and how to block them is the key to effective boxelder bug control.
Key Takeaways
- As temperatures drop, boxelder bugs gather on sunny walls and move indoors to overwinter.
- Boxelder bugs gather around female boxelder trees and nearby maples.
- Seal cracks and treat entry points to prevent infestations.
- Pest Pros of Michigan offers effective boxelder bug control across Southwest Michigan.
Why Boxelder Bugs Invade Michigan Homes
Boxelder bugs become most active in late summer and early fall as they move from host trees to nearby buildings. Cool weather prompts them to gather on sunny south- and west-facing walls, resulting in boxelder bug infestations in Michigan homes every fall.
They overwinter in protected areas, such as attics, basements, wall voids, and siding gaps, which serve as their overwintering sites. Once inside, they stay dormant until spring, but warm winter days can bring them back out into living spaces.
Homeowners, especially those near female boxelder trees, often see large numbers during the fall. Female boxelder trees and sometimes silver maples are key food and breeding sites for these bugs.
Life Cycle and Behavior of Boxelder Bugs
Adult boxelder bugs feed on the seeds and leaves of boxelder and maple trees throughout the summer. Females lay egg clusters on bark, leaves, and nearby surfaces. Bright red nymphs hatch within days and mature by late summer, just in time to find places to spend the winter.
A few stray bugs are harmless, but thousands can gather at once. When disturbed, they release a strong odor and may stain walls or curtains. Many people see them covering siding or window screens during the fall.
Boxelder Bugs and Other Fall Pests in Michigan
Boxelder bugs aren’t the only insects looking for warmth when cold weather hits. Asian lady beetles and invasive brown marmorated stink bugs in Michigan also move indoors. These pests use the same small openings around windows, siding, and vents to get inside.
If you see one, more are likely nearby. Regular inspections and treatments around these entry points help stop infestations before they spread and can also reduce other pest problems around your home.
How to Prevent a Boxelder Bug Infestation
The best prevention starts outside your home. First, seal the entry points bugs use to get in. Caulk around windows, doors, and foundation gaps, and repair torn screens. Pay close attention to attics, soffits, and siding seams.
If you notice large numbers, schedule a professional treatment around windows, eaves, and siding in early fall. Removing female boxelder trees can reduce bug numbers over time, but many homeowners prefer to keep the trees and focus on sealing instead.
Indoors, vacuum visible bugs to remove them safely. Don’t crush them; they can stain walls and fabrics. Use a vacuum cleaner and empty it right away to prevent odors.
When to Call for Professional Pest Control
If boxelder bugs continue to invade despite your efforts, it’s time to call a professional. At Pest Pros of Michigan, we offer seasonal pest control in Michigan that targets overwintering pests.
Our team treats your home’s exterior and identifies likely entry points. We also inspect for other pest issues and provide long-term pest management solutions to help keep your property pest-free throughout the year. We serve Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and nearby areas, with a deep understanding of Michigan’s fall pest behavior.
Making the Right Boxelder Bug Control Choice for Your Michigan Home
Fall in Michigan is beautiful, but it also brings unwanted guests, such as boxelder bugs. Taking early action with proper sealing, prevention, and routine pest control can keep them from invading your living space.
At Pest Pros of Michigan, we provide safe and reliable Michigan pest control services for homeowners throughout the region, utilizing proven methods to prevent boxelder bugs from overwintering.
Ready to protect your home? Contact us today to schedule your fall pest control service.
FAQs
Why do boxelder bugs invade homes in the fall?
Boxelder bugs migrate indoors during the fall to overwinter in warm, sheltered areas such as attics, wall voids, and basements.
Do boxelder bugs cause structural damage?
No. Boxelder bugs don’t chew wood or wires, but large numbers can stain surfaces and create an unpleasant odor.
How can I keep boxelder bugs out of my house?
Seal cracks and gaps around windows and siding, remove debris near the foundation, and schedule fall pest control treatments with Pest Pros of Michigan.
