If you're a resident of Vail, you may have noticed an increase in boxelder bug infestations this year. While they aren't harmful to your health, these bugs can be a nuisance and can damage furniture and other home items. RAM Wildlife & Pest Management can tell you how to keep them out of your home for good. We'll also cover some tips for boxelder pest control in Vail that you can use to deter them from coming in the first place.
Are Boxelder Bugs Harmful To My Health?
Boxelder bugs get their name from the fact that they often lay their eggs on boxelder trees. Baby boxelder bugs on your property can be spotted by their bright red color. As they mature, they will develop their distinctive black markings. While these bugs can occasionally bite, they do not pose a serious threat to your health, so you don't need to be overly concerned about avoiding boxelder bug bites. However, if you have an allergy to their saliva, you may experience some swelling and redness at the site of the bite.
Do Boxelder Bugs Destroy Furniture?
Boxelder bugs in Vail often enter homes through cracks and crevices in the foundation or walls. Once inside, they will congregate on windowsills and near heat sources. While they don't bite humans, boxelder bugs can damage furniture by staining it with their excrement. They also release a foul odor when crushed, so you'll want to be careful when handling them.
The type of furniture most susceptible to damage from boxelder bugs is upholstered furniture like sofas and chairs. These bugs can also damage wood furniture if they're left unchecked. If you have boxelder bugs in your home, it's important to take steps to get rid of them as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.
What Are Some Home Remedies To Deter Boxelder Bugs?
There are a few things you can do to deter boxelder bugs from entering your home in the first place:
- Seal any cracks or crevices in your home's foundation and walls. This will help to prevent them from getting inside. You can also try placing a piece of tape over any gaps or cracks around windows and doors.
- Make sure that all screens are free of holes or tears. These insects are small and can fit through even the smallest openings. By ensuring that all screens are intact, you can help to keep them out of your home.
- Try using a strong-smelling repellent to keep boxelder bugs away. Some essential oils, like peppermint and eucalyptus, can be used as natural repellents. Simply add a few drops of these oils to a spray bottle filled with water and spritz around your home's perimeter.
- If you have boxelder trees on your property, you can deter these bugs by trimming the trees and removing any dead leaves or branches. These insects are attracted to boxelder trees.
By taking steps to deter them from entering in the first place, you can help to keep your home free of these pests!
Who Do I Contact To Get Rid Of The Boxelder Bugs Infesting My Home?
Here at RAM Wildlife & Pest Management, we have a team of experienced and certified professionals who can help to eliminate the boxelder bugs in your Vail home. We have more than 25 years of experience providing quality home pest control and commercial pest control in Vail, and our technicians are available 24/7, 365 days a year. We also offer preventive services to help keep these bugs from returning in the future. If you're concerned about getting rid of boxelder bugs in your home, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Request Your Free Inspection
Contact Us today to get your free inspection!