As summer ends and fall arrives, box elder bugs become more active. These outdoor pests are ones that you might need NJ pest control services for if they become a nuisance, so it’s best to learn more about them.
Box Elder Bug Appearance
You can tell that you have box elder bugs if you see insects that are black and have orange or red markings covering their back. Box elder bugs grow to be about a half-inch long as adults, and they have a long, thin body shape.
Box Elder Bug Behavior
Box elder bugs tend to gather in large groups where it’s warm, such as in trees or sunny parts of building exteriors. They typically gather when they’re looking for a place to spend the winter months. When they find a suitable spot, they travel to it as a group and remain there throughout the winter.
Box Elder Bug Diet
Box elder bugs often feed on box elder trees, which is where they get their name from. They also lay eggs in these trees during the summer. Their diet mainly consists of developing leaves and seeds, which can affect the appearance of the trees they feed on. They also eat fruits from apple trees and other fruit trees.
If you have box elder bugs in your home, please contact Allison Pest Control to learn more about our NJ pest control services.