Are Boxelder Bugs In Las Vegas, NV Dangerous?

August 27, 2021

The short and simple answer is no. They are not dangerous, but they are numerous. Boxelder bugs are found in every state in the country. So we aren't special here in Las Vegas, at least not in that regard. At Anderson Pest Control, we are doing our best to make Las Vegas the only city in the country pest-free.

What Is A Boxelder Bug?

This bug is the poster child for ‘The Nuisance Bug’ organization. They don't bite, or sting and they do not damage your home. So what's the big problem? It's the sheer number of bugs that will invade all at once that is the problem. These bugs can be found where boxelder trees grow. They feed in the trees and lay their eggs there. Once the colder weather comes, they will migrate to your cozy warm house over winter. You cannot misidentify this bug because its coloring and markings are very distinctive.

Red and Black with markings on the back.
½ inch long.
Six legs.
Two antennae.
Sunflower seed-shaped body.
Two wings.

The problem usually isn't being able to describe or recognize this bug; it knows its name. Boxelder bugs are not synonymous with pest control efforts in the ways that ants or spiders are, making them pretty low on the list. That is until you get invaded.

Problems Associated With This Bug

There really aren't any major problems caused by the boxelder bug, but they are not without negative traits.

They will feed in the young leaves of the boxelder tree, causing the tree to have discolored leaves. You may think your tree is sick or has some tree-borne disease, only to have the arborist come out to your home and tell you it's just the bugs. That's a bill you could do without.
They will occasionally feed on the fruit of your plum and apple trees.
In the Autumn, they will gather in large numbers to sun themselves on your deck, side of your building, or patio.
Once winter arrives, the boxelder bug will invade your home in huge numbers, looking for a cozy spot to live until it warms up again.
They leave reddish-orange stains all over your home and furniture when they poop.
When they are smashed, they emit a foul-smelling odor.
Dead boxelder bugs attract dermestid beetles that will feed on the remains.

If you can live with hundreds of bugs making themselves at home in your house, then this is the pest for you. Otherwise, it’s time to call the professionals.

Prevention

The basic list of pest prevention tips applies here as well:

Seal up any holes or cracks with caulk.
Repair windows and screens.
Inspect door sweeps.
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of the house.

As for the ones that have already made it into the house, use a vacuum cleaner to suck them up, as; as said earlier, dead boxelder bugs attract dermestid beetles. Avoiding this using the vacuum cleaner is a simple and effective solution.

There are common places that insects will enter a home. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on these locations to monitor any potential problems:

Where baseboards meet the floor.
Where pipes enter the wall.
Below sinks.
In your wall voids behind outlets.
Where cables and pipes enter the home.
Around door and window frames.
In the corners of attics and closets.
Cracks and crevices around the home.

The Best Way To Make Them Go Away

Anderson Pest Control is accustomed to ‘occasional invaders’ like the boxelder bug. We have been serving the greater Las Vegas area since 2002, and we are very familiar with the types of creepy crawlers we have in our harsh desert climate. Our methods are tried and true and will bring a quick end to your problem. A year-round home pest control service plan would ensure that you never have this issue again. Call for a free estimate today.

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What Is A Boxelder Bug?

Red and Black with markings on the back.
½ inch long.
Six legs.
Two antennae.
Sunflower seed-shaped body.
Two wings.

Problems Associated With This Bug

There really aren't any major problems caused by the boxelder bug, but they are not without negative traits.

They will feed in the young leaves of the boxelder tree, causing the tree to have discolored leaves. You may think your tree is sick or has some tree-borne disease, only to have the arborist come out to your home and tell you it's just the bugs. That's a bill you could do without.
They will occasionally feed on the fruit of your plum and apple trees.
In the Autumn, they will gather in large numbers to sun themselves on your deck, side of your building, or patio.
Once winter arrives, the boxelder bug will invade your home in huge numbers, looking for a cozy spot to live until it warms up again.
They leave reddish-orange stains all over your home and furniture when they poop.
When they are smashed, they emit a foul-smelling odor.
Dead boxelder bugs attract dermestid beetles that will feed on the remains.

If you can live with hundreds of bugs making themselves at home in your house, then this is the pest for you. Otherwise, it’s time to call the professionals.

Prevention

The basic list of pest prevention tips applies here as well:

Seal up any holes or cracks with caulk.
Repair windows and screens.
Inspect door sweeps.
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of the house.

There are common places that insects will enter a home. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on these locations to monitor any potential problems:

Where baseboards meet the floor.
Where pipes enter the wall.
Below sinks.
In your wall voids behind outlets.
Where cables and pipes enter the home.
Around door and window frames.
In the corners of attics and closets.
Cracks and crevices around the home.

The Best Way To Make Them Go Away

Request Your Free Quote

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