Some unfortunate people deal with box elder bugs all year round. Most homes and businesses pass most of the year without experiencing them until the fall swarms. Why do box elder bugs swarm?
Box elder bugs feed on seeds, newly developing leaves, and occasionally on fruits of various trees. The box elder tree is their favorite which is the inspiration for their name. When temperatures are comfortable, box elder bugs hang out near their food source. When temperatures drop, they focus on survival rather than feeding.
When temperatures dip at night contrasting the warm daytime temperatures, an internal switch is flipped in the box elder bug. This is a reminder for them to seek out overwintering places that will shield them from the cold. They fly off from their feeding and breeding sites to find a place to huddle together for warmth.
Homes and businesses that have walls warmed from the sun (especially south and west walls) are highly attractive to them. As they swarm in, established barriers and exclusion work will keep them from turning your home and business into their winter getaway. For help with any aspects of box elder bug control, Rove Pest Control is here to help so you can enjoy the fall.
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