You may have seen black and red bugs hanging around, which made you search for “black and red bugs Northern Colorado”. The black and red bugs you see are called boxelder bugs. At Northern Colorado Pest and Wildlife Control, we have seen firsthand the impact that boxelder bugs can have on homes and businesses in Northern Colorado. These bugs are a common sight in the area, and their unique coloration and shape often capture the attention of those who encounter them. At Northern Colorado Pest and Wildlife Control, we believe strongly in education and we like to share our knowledge with our customers. We believe that by letting our customers know more about why they have a pest problem we help them reduce the chances of it becoming a repeat issue. So let’s take an up-close look at boxelder bugs and what we can learn about them.
The top 12 things you should know about boxelder bugs.
- Boxelder bugs are black and red insects commonly found in North America, particularly in the western and eastern regions of the United States. They are members of the true bug family, which includes a variety of other insects that have piercing-sucking mouthparts for feeding on plant sap. Boxelder bugs are known for their distinct black and red coloring, with a black body and red markings on their wings and abdomen. They are relatively small, measuring about half an inch in length as adults.
- They are named after the boxelder tree, which is one of their preferred habitats, although they can also be found on other trees, plants, and shrubs. Boxelder bugs feed on the leaves, flowers, and seeds of these plants, using their mouths to extract sap from the plant tissues. These black and red bugs Northern Colorado has so many of are also attracted to warm and sunny environments and may congregate on structures such as homes and other buildings.
- Boxelder bugs are harmless to humans and pets, and they do not pose any significant health risks. Unlike other insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks, boxelder bugs do not transmit any diseases to humans or animals. While they may be a nuisance when they enter homes and other structures, they do not bite or sting and are not aggressive.
- Even though they are harmless, they can cause damage to trees and plants by feeding on them. While boxelder bugs are not typically harmful to the health of trees and plants, they can cause cosmetic damage by feeding on the foliage and creating small holes in the leaves. In rare cases, large populations of boxelder bugs can cause more significant damage to trees and other vegetation.
- Boxelder bugs are most commonly seen inside during the fall and winter when they seek out warm places to escape to, such as inside homes and other buildings. During the spring and summer months, they are more likely found outdoors, feeding on the leaves, flowers, and seeds of trees and other plants. As the weather gets colder in the fall, they begin to gather in large numbers and search for warm places to spend the winter months.
- Boxelder bugs emit a foul-smelling odor when they are crushed or disturbed, which can be unpleasant. This odor is a defensive mechanism that they use to deter predators and other threats. When they feel threatened, boxelder bugs may release this odor as a warning signal to other bugs in the area.
- They are social insects that live in large groups and communicate with each other using chemical signals. Boxelder bugs use pheromones and other chemical signals to communicate with each other, and may also use touch and visual cues to coordinate their behavior. This social behavior may help them survive in harsh environmental conditions and avoid predators.
- The black and red bugs Northern Colorado seems to get inundated with have a simple life cycle that consists of eggs, nymphs, and adults, with a single generation per year. Females lay their eggs on the leaves, bark, and other surfaces of host plants in the spring and early summer. The eggs hatch into nymphs, which go through several molts before reaching adulthood. The adults emerge in the fall and may live for several months before dying off.
- They are not difficult to control and can be managed using a combination of preventive measures, such as sealing entry points and removing potential habitats, and insecticides if necessary. To prevent boxelder bugs from entering your home, it is important to seal any cracks or gaps in doors, windows, and other areas where they may be able to enter. You should also remove any potential habitats, such as piles of leaves or debris, from around the outside of your home.
- Boxelder bugs are not the same as stink bugs, although they are often confused with them due to their similar size and appearance. While both boxelder bugs and stink bugs are true bugs that have piercing-sucking mouthparts, they are different species with distinct characteristics. Stink bugs are typically brown or green in color, and emit a foul-smelling odor when disturbed, while boxelder bugs are black and red and emit a similar odor.
- While boxelder bugs are generally considered a nuisance pest, they do play an important ecological role as a food source for birds and other predators. Many bird species, such as woodpeckers and nuthatches, feed on boxelder bugs and their eggs, and other predators, such as spiders and centipedes, may also consume them. In this way, boxelder bugs help to support the food web and maintain ecological balance in natural ecosystems.
- Boxelder bugs can also act as pollinators, helping to facilitate the reproduction of certain plants and trees. As they feed on the nectar of flowers and other plants, they can pick up pollen on their bodies and transfer it to other plants, aiding in their reproduction. This role as a pollinator helps to maintain biodiversity in natural ecosystems and supports the health and survival of plant communities.
Black and Red Bugs Northern Colorado: An Up-Close Look at Boxelder Bugs
If you do have a boxelder bug infestation in your home, it is important to act quickly to prevent the problem from getting worse. Northern Colorado Pest and Wildlife Control can help to identify the source of the infestation and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. We can also offer advice on how to prevent future infestations and keep boxelder bugs and other pests out of your home. We practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which is a broad-based approach to pest control where pesticides are used as one of many tools, not the only exclusive tool. The approach focuses a lot on exclusion, habitat modification, and education to eliminate the pest problem.
It is common to see a massive reduction in the number of insects, but complete elimination is not realistic. If we use insecticides they will last up to 60 days and another treatment might be needed to meet your expectations seasonally or throughout the year. We offer one-time services, every-other-month services, and custom services for these insect pests. Your search for “black and red bugs Northern Colorado” is over. Give us a call today.
Northern Colorado Pest and Wildlife Control provides fast and courteous responses to our customers’ needs. We specialize in a wide range of pest control and wildlife control services. We serve Denver: north to Wyoming including Fort Collins, Eaton, Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Loveland, LaSalle, Johnstown, Milliken, Berthoud, Longmont, Boulder, Louisville, Superior, Lafayette, Thornton, Lakewood, Golden, Westminster, Denver, Aurora and surrounding cities.
