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Professional Box Elder Bug Pest Control Atlanta GA
Boxelder bugs are small insects with distinguishable markings that are utilized by exterminators for identification purposes. Living in Atlanta comes with many insect encounters, some of which you are aware of and others not so much. Just imagine, you are surrounded by insects every time you step one foot outdoors. Insect activity is generally at its highest in the spring and fall. The breeding season for box elder bugs and other insect species begins in late spring at the end of the overwintering process. Some species of insects breed in the spring and the fall.
Why Are Box Elder Bugs Surrounding My Atlanta Home?
As previously mentioned, box elder bugs are overwintering pests. This insect classification consists of various species – Brown Marmorated Sting Bug “BMSB,” ladybugs “Asian lady beetle,” and cluster fly – all of which hibernate throughout the winter season.
Box elder bugs are notable for their foul odor, which is associated with a pyridine secretion. Pyridine is a natural repellent utilized to deter predators and enemy insects from attacking. Pyridine has properties that stain various materials, such as fabric. The foul odor produced by the secretion protects the box elder bug from being attacked by predatory insects. While it offers a layer of protection from enemy insects, it is a dead giveaway that box elder bugs are in the nearby vicinity.
Why Do Box Elder Bugs Target Occupied Buildings In The Late Fall?
In preparation for winter, box elder bugs initiate infiltration of residential and commercial facilities, hoping to get lucky. The insect may get lucky on the first infiltration attempt, which is highly unlikely. Overwintering pests do not give up until they are successful or until it is too late to make another attempt. Once winter sets in, the insects are forced to take refuge in trees, shrubs, tall grass, damaged siding, and firewood piles.
When an overwintering pest successfully infiltrates a building, the insect immediately initiates another search to find a decent shelter. The insect will opt for a dark, damp, warm, and discrete hiding spot to avoid detection.
What Can I Possibly Do To Combat A Box Elder Bug Infestation?
The first thing you should do is repair and update your home’s vulnerable pest barrier, the structural components designed to keep insect intruders out. Doors, windows, walls, ceilings, and floors are just a few examples of structural components responsible for keeping box elder bugs in their natural habitats. When These components become weak from normal wear and tear due to element exposure and everyday use, the risk of home infiltration of box elder bugs gradually grows.
Utilizing a waterproof sealant, fill in all exterior-to-interior gaps utilized by box elder bugs to infiltrate your home.
Do Exterminators Recommend DIY Box Elder Bug Pest Control For Infestation?
DIY pest control may work for box elder bug infiltration but will have little to no impact on an infestation. Over-the-counter pesticides are standard formulas not suitable for pest infestation. Professional pest control utilizes pesticides that are industrial-strength capable of fully eradicating box elder bug infestation.
Are Box Elder Bug Insecticides Dangerous?
Yes, but only when they are mishandled, improperly stored, and transported in dangerous situations. Our pest control protocol prohibits the use of chemical pesticides in box elder bug-infested buildings while they are occupied. This would risk unnecessary exposure to chemical-based pesticides to our clients and their families and pets.
What Steps Should I Take To Keep Box Elder Bugs Away From My Home In The Future?
As previously mentioned, sealing exterior-to-interior openings accessible to box elder bugs will definitely help. We also recommend never leaving exposed doors and windows open when box elder bug activity is high.
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