Background Information
The boxelder bug is a common insect in the western states and is a hemipteran “true bug”. They are black with reddish or orange markings and are about ½ inch long and oval shaped. Nymphs are smaller, lack wings and are reddish in color. They are generally found around boxelder, maple and ash trees.
The western conifer seed bug is an odd-looking insect, very similar to that of a boxelder bug but mostly brown in color, measuring 5/8 to ¾ inches in length. These insects are generally found around pines and are a common problem during the fall and winter months. When disturbed they can produce a piney defensive odor. They are completely harmless to people and they feed off seeds. We classify these insects as Seasonal Pests because we typically only get calls in the spring or fall.
The boxelder and western conifer seed bug do not cause damage to the house but are classified as a nuisance pest because of their sheer numbers. It is very common to see hundreds if not thousands of these insects along the foundation and walls of your house (exterior). Generally, these insects prefer the warm sides of the house, with that being the south and west facing sides.
Treatments for Boxelder and Conifer Seed Bugs
Treatment techniques for these insects will include a detailed exterior insect barrier at the foundation of the house or building with a targeted crack and crevice treatment around windows, doors and eaves. We also look at potential openings that will allow the insects inside, so you might see the technician using caulking to seal gaps around plumbing lines, electrical lines, or windows. The technician might also suggest new door sweeps or thresholds to limit the access inside the home or business. Typically, you will not see a high number of boxelder or seed bugs inside the home or business. If you do see them, the technician might recommend or begin vacuuming up the insects around the doors and windows. If it is a bad infestation, the technician might recommend a targeted crack and crevice treatment with the use of a general insecticide, but this is not common. Boxelder and conifer seed bugs are not known to bite.
Service Expectations
It is common to see a massive reduction in the number of insects, but complete elimination is not realistic. The insecticides used 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. All the insecticides that we have selected for use are safe for you, your family, employees and pets once the product is dry. All the insecticides used are registered for use in residential, commercial, hospitals, day care facilities, nursing homes and food handling establishments. The technician will inform you of any precautions if any.
