Garden Column for the Salisbury Post
Darrell Blackwelder
March 20, 2003
Garden Column for the Salisbury Post
Darrell Blackwelder
March 20, 2003
Boxelder bugs have already
emerged causing problems with only a few days of warm weather. This insect is a
menace emerging in the fall and now in early spring, congregating on sides of
homes. Many are complaining that the insects are invading their home causing
problems.
The insect is attracted to the seed of boxelder trees. Boxelders are actually
maples found growing on roadsides and ditch banks. However, the bug also feeds
on other hardwood trees with seldom damage.
Although boxelder bugs are associated as pests of shade
trees, this insect is more commonly a household pest. They do not bite people or
harm goods, but their presence is clearly a nuisance. On warm winter days, the
insects become active moving in and on buildings causing concern for homeowners.
Adult boxelder bugs are now emerging from their over wintering shelters to feed
for a couple of weeks before mating. These insects prefer sunny areas and,
therefore, are found most abundantly on trees in a southern exposure and on
sides of buildings facing south. The bug is attracted to light or pastel colors
of siding or trim work.
The female boxelder deposits about 230 eggs in cracks and
crevices of boxelder and other trees. The eggs normally hatch in about 2 weeks.
The insect will amass large populations in July to early September because of
two generations each season. The insects often move indoors in September and
October searching for a place to over wintering.
These insects can easily move indoors, especially in older
homes that are not properly sealed. Boxelder bugs are easily swept up or
vacuumed up. If pesticide application is preferred, a number of pesticides are
available for indoors. These include: Bayer Advanced, Ortho Home Defense and
Spectracide Bug Stop.
Outdoor pesticide applications around windows and doors may reduce the number of
boxelder entering the home. Orthene, Sevin, Tempo and Marathon are recommended
for control outdoors. Malathion loses its effectiveness below 65° F. As with
using any pesticide, always follow the label before applying any pesticide
material.
Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of
horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan
County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County
Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com or e mail
Darrell_blackwelder@ncsu.edu or phone at 704-633-0571.
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