BOXELDER BUG

Boxelder bugs (also spelled 'box elder bugs') are well known insects here in Ontario, appearing in homes in the fall. They are not truly harmful insects, though they do pose a nuisance.

The boxelder bug is usually between 11mm and 14mm (or 1/2") in length, and has a dark body with red markings on it.

They overwinter inside buildings, entering in the fall and leaving again in the spring. Boxelder bugs stray into houses through cracks in the foundation and siding, gaps along windows and doors, and other small openings.

The best way to get rid of boxelder bugs is to prevent them from getting iindoors by filling cracks and crevices around doors, windows and foundations, using weather stripping around doors and windows and replacing torn screens.  An exterior treatment in the spring and fall seasons are helpful in preventing, managing and controlling a boxelder bug infestation.