Boxelder Bug Control in Albany | Prevention & Removal Tips

Are you noticing boxelder bugs gathering around your Albany home? These pests often invade in large numbers, especially as temperatures drop in the fall. While a few might seem harmless, an infestation can be quite unsettling. Discover how to keep boxelder bugs out and protect your home effectively.

What Are Boxelder Bugs?

Boxelder bugs are small, jet-black insects with red markings, around 10 mm long. They get their name from the boxelder trees they often inhabit, but they may also be found around other types of trees. These bugs become a problem for homeowners when they invade in large numbers, especially during cooler months as they search for warmth.

Why Do Boxelder Bugs Enter Albany Homes?

Boxelder bugs are cold-blooded, which means they seek warmth as temperatures drop. During fall, they gather around homes and look for entry points to overwinter inside, where they can avoid freezing.

Tips for Boxelder Bug Prevention

The best way to handle boxelder bugs is by keeping them from entering your home in the first place. Here are some effective prevention steps:

Secure Entry Points

• Inspect Screens: Check all door and window screens for rips, holes, or tears. Repair or replace damaged screens to keep bugs out.
• Weather Stripping: Replace worn weather stripping around doors and windows to close gaps that boxelder bugs could squeeze through.

Seal Cracks and Gaps

• Check Your Home’s Exterior: Look for gaps or cracks in the foundation, walls, or roof. Use caulk to seal any openings, especially around where wires, pipes, or other objects enter your home.
• Seal Material Joins: Fill gaps between different materials on your home's exterior, like stone and wood or brick and wood.

Consider Tree Maintenance

• Remove Boxelder Trees: If boxelder trees are on your property, consider removing them to reduce the chances of attracting these pests.
• Choose Male Trees: If you plant boxelder trees, select male trees, as female trees are more susceptible to boxelder bug infestations.

Taking these steps can make a significant difference in preventing boxelder bugs from entering your home.

When to Call a Professional for Boxelder Bug Removal

If boxelder bugs have already made it inside, prevention measures won’t get them out. Overwintering pests like boxelder bugs require professional pest control to eliminate them effectively.

At Thomas Pest Services, our certified technicians specialize in removing and excluding boxelder bugs. We offer comprehensive pest control backed by three generations of experience, so whether you’re dealing with cold-blooded pests like boxelder bugs or warm-blooded intruders like rodents, we have the expertise to protect your home. Make sure you ask about our environmentally conscious solutions. 

Call us today at 518-861-4921 or contact us for a free inspection and estimate! Let us help you keep your Albany home pest-free and protected year-round.