What Attracts Box Elder Bugs?
Box elder bugs, also known as ash bugs or maple bugs, are a common household pest that can be quite a nuisance during the fall season. These small, brown insects are attracted to certain factors that make them seek shelter in homes and other buildings. Understanding what attracts box elder bugs can help homeowners take preventive measures to keep them at bay.
One of the primary reasons box elder bugs are drawn to homes is the warmth and protection they offer. As the weather starts to cool down, these insects seek shelter from the cold and wind. Homes provide a cozy environment where box elder bugs can hibernate until warmer temperatures return. Cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and siding are common entry points for these pests.
Another factor that attracts box elder bugs is the presence of their host plant, the boxelder tree. These trees are found in many parts of North America and are a favorite food source for box elder bugs. As the trees mature and drop their seeds, the bugs gather in large numbers to feed on the seeds, which are also known as box elder berries. This aggregation behavior makes it more likely for box elder bugs to find their way into homes.
Box elder bugs are also attracted to light sources. During the fall, they are often seen flying around windows and doors, looking for a way inside. This behavior is likely due to the fact that light attracts them, and they mistake the inside of homes for a safe haven.
To prevent box elder bugs from entering your home, it’s important to take certain precautions:
1. Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and siding to eliminate entry points.
2. Keep tree branches and shrubs trimmed back from your home to reduce the likelihood of insects finding their way inside.
3. Use weather stripping on doors and windows to prevent insects from entering.
4. Install screens on windows and doors to keep out unwanted pests.
5. Clean up fallen box elder berries and other debris around your property to reduce the attractiveness of your home to these insects.
By understanding what attracts box elder bugs and taking appropriate preventive measures, homeowners can minimize the risk of these pests becoming a problem. Keeping your home well-maintained and free of entry points will help ensure a bug-free fall season.
