Black Bugs with the Red Marks on their Backs

Do you have Box Elder Bugs hanging around your porch and windows?

It’s never fun when you notice you have bugs in your home.  A few here and there usually isn’t a big deal right? Not so much when it comes to the Box Elder Bug. A black bug with red marks on their backs.  You may notice one or two inside but beware; these guys stick together and invade by the thousands.

Black bugs with red marks on their backs

The bodies of box elder bugs are black in color. They have distinguishable marks of red lines along the thorax and sides. Their wings are flat and red. They measure between 11 to 14 mm long. These black bugs with red marks on the back can become overwhelming quickly.

What Attracts These Black Bugs with Red Marks on their backs?

Box Elder Bugs like to make their homes in Box Elder, Maple and Ash trees. During the warmer seasons they tend to find their way into buildings and homes seeking shelter for the winter. They may enter through small cracks and crevices within the building, and remain inside, hibernating, through fall and winter. They emerge again when heat sources within the building are high; and can usually be located in the warmest areas of the walls. Although Box Elder Bugs do not cause damage to buildings; their droppings are unsightly and leave stains on furniture and fabrics.
Adult bugs live and breed on the leaves of box elder trees, laying their eggs in spring. They feed on soft parts of box elder trees, including leaves, flowers and new twigs. They also extract juices, causing minimal to substantial damage to their host tree.
The eggs of box elder bugs are reddish brown in color.  This allows them to stay well hidden in the bark of the host tree. After a few days, the eggs hatch into red and gray nymphs.  Which eventually mature and begin the breeding process again. Mature box elder bugs can be found gathering in large numbers on branches and where there is the most sunlight.
Once the Box Elder Bugs are established in a tree it can be nearly impossible to eliminate them. There are some things you can do to help control and reduce them. To stop Box Elder Bugs from multiplying, it is often helpful to remove their host trees from the area surrounding your home. But note the adults can still fly from locations off the property.

Exclusion is a great, long-term treatment option if done properly and works well for most general pests. Keeping them out is critical.

Repairing damaged windows and door screens

  • Installing door sweeps on exterior doors
  • Installing or repairing screens in roof and soffit vents (Remember they can fly)
  • Sealing holes or gaps around places where cables, wires or plumbing enters the structure
  • Sealing off/plugging gaps at doors, windowsills, roof joints, and fascia boards. Checking for and sealing gaps and cracks where different building materials meet. For example, where siding meets the brick exterior or foundation.

If you think you have an infestation of Box Elder Bugs it is best to contact your pest professional for treatment advice; and recommendations.  Call Alpha Today