Every fall, many Michigan homeowners see boxelder bugs on the sunny sides of houses, garages, and sheds. These red and black insects become a nuisance as they seek warm places to spend winter.
They don’t harm people, but they gather in large numbers and squeeze into small gaps around your home. If left alone, they move into attics, basements, and wall voids, making winter less comfortable.
If you live in Kalamazoo, Lansing, or Grand Rapids, you’ve likely seen boxelder bugs in Michigan covering sunny exterior walls in early fall. There are steps you can take to prevent a boxelder bug infestation. And when prevention isn’t enough, Pest Pros of Michigan provides boxelder bug control that keeps your home protected.
Key Takeaways
- In early fall, boxelder bugs swarm on sunny exterior walls.
- They overwinter in attics, basements, garages, and wall voids.
- Seal cracks and reduce host trees to prevent infestations.
- Pest Pros of Michigan offers fast and effective boxelder bug control.
Why Boxelder Bugs Swarm Each Fall in Michigan
Boxelder bugs thrive around boxelder trees, especially female trees that act as hosts. They also feed on seeds and leaves from ash trees and maple trees, but they prefer boxelders. In spring and summer, they lay eggs on bark, leaves, and nearby ground cover. By late summer, nymphs mature into adult boxelder bugs with bright red markings.
When temperatures drop in early fall, boxelder bugs gather in large numbers on the sunny sides of buildings. They seek warmth and enter through cracks, crevices, and other gaps that lead indoors. As a result, many Michigan homes end up with overwintering boxelder bugs until spring.
Common Areas Where They Sneak Inside
Once indoors, boxelder bugs don’t reproduce, but their presence causes frustration for homeowners. Attics, basements, and garages often provide perfect overwintering sites. They also slip into voids behind siding, gaps in foundations, and other small crevices. When warm days arrive, they become active again, often appearing inside living spaces.
Homeowners sometimes confuse them with stink bugs or Asian lady beetles since all three invade homes in the same season. A vacuum can handle a few bugs, but during an infestation, professional pest control is the most reliable solution.
How to Prevent a Boxelder Bug Infestation
Start boxelder bug control before the first cold snap of the season. Sealing cracks and repairing damaged screens goes a long way toward keeping them out. Pay special attention to sunny exterior walls, where the insects gather in the most significant numbers. Inspect and seal gaps at windows, doors, and utility lines to make your home less inviting.
Another helpful step is reducing host trees near your property. Removing female boxelder trees can reduce activity, but it isn’t practical for everyone. For lasting results, pair exclusion efforts with professional pest management.
Professional Pest Control for Boxelder Bugs
DIY methods often fall short when large numbers of boxelder bugs invade. Store-bought insecticides may reduce surface activity, but they rarely solve the problem once bugs reach attics and wall voids. A trained exterminator treats exterior walls and known entry points.
At Pest Pros of Michigan, we include boxelder bugs, stink bugs, and Asian lady beetles in our service plans. Our technicians use proven products and sealing techniques to stop infestations from spreading. Whether you’re in Lansing facing a fall invasion or in Grand Rapids keeping your home pest-free year-round, our pest control service serves Michigan homes.
Making the Right Choice for Boxelder Bug Control
Boxelder bugs in Michigan may not cause structural damage, but their seasonal invasions can quickly overwhelm a home. Pest Pros of Michigan provides focused treatments that reduce large populations and stop new bugs from moving in.
Ready for a cleaner, quieter fall and winter? Contact us today.
FAQs
Why do boxelder bugs invade Michigan homes in the fall?
In early fall, boxelder bugs look for warm places to overwinter. They gather on sunny walls, then slip inside through gaps around windows, doors, and siding.
Do boxelder bugs damage homes or furniture?
No. Boxelder bugs are nuisance pests. They don’t bite, sting, or damage structures, but their waste can stain surfaces and fabrics.
How can I get rid of a boxelder bug infestation?
You can use a vacuum cleaner for small numbers, but professional pest control delivers lasting results. Pest Pros of Michigan offers boxelder bug treatments and prevention services for homes in Kalamazoo, Lansing, and Grand Rapids.
