Boxelder bugs in Laplace, LA often gather around homes in the fall, covering sunny areas such as walls, windows, and doors. They aren’t dangerous, but their large numbers and dark stains can quickly frustrate homeowners.
These red-and-black bugs tend to move indoors when temperatures drop, hiding inside walls, attics, and other tight spaces. Once inside, they can stay all winter, emerging on warm days and leaving behind stains and a faint odor.
If you live near boxelder trees or ash trees, you’re more likely to see them in large numbers. Knowing what attracts them is the first step in keeping your home pest-free. For ongoing protection, professional pest control in Laplace, LA, can help prevent boxelder bugs from entering your home.
Key Takeaways
• Boxelder bugs in Laplace, LA, become active in early fall and look for overwintering sites.
• They are attracted to boxelder, ash, and Acer species.
• Overwintering adults hide in walls, attics, and crevices until spring.
• Professional pest control helps prevent recurring infestations.
Identifying Boxelder Bugs in Laplace Homes
The boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata) is a true bug in the order Hemiptera. Adults are about ½ inch long with black bodies and red-orange lines on the wings and thorax. They have six legs and long antennae.
These bugs often gather on sunny walls and tree trunks. In Laplace, large numbers appear during mild fall days. They do not bite or damage wood, but their droppings can stain walls, furniture, and fabrics. If crushed, they release a light odor similar to stink bugs.
Boxelder bugs feed on seed pods from boxelder and other Acer trees. When seeds run out, they search for warmer spots to spend the winter.
Why Boxelder Bugs Invade Laplace Homes
During early fall, boxelder bugs seek warmth and shelter. They gather on south-facing walls and roofs, drawn to the heat from sunlight. As temperatures drop, they find small cracks or gaps in siding, vents, and windows through which they can enter homes.
Once indoors, these bugs look for overwintering spots. Familiar hiding places include attics, wall voids, crawl spaces, and behind baseboards. Louisiana’s mild winters allow it to survive comfortably until spring.
Homes surrounded by boxelder or ash trees are more prone to infestations. The more trees nearby, the more food they have, and the more likely they’ll find their way inside.
In Laplace neighborhoods where trees are abundant, professional pest control can help reduce their populations and keep them out for good.
Understanding Their Life Cycle
The boxelder bug’s life cycle fits Louisiana’s climate. Adults overwinter in homes or other sheltered spots and emerge in spring to mate. Females lay eggs on trunks, leaves, and seed pods. Eggs hatch in about two weeks into small red nymphs. These nymphs feed on seeds and darken as they grow. By summer, new adults continue the cycle.
As days shorten in early fall, adults gather on buildings to prepare for winter. If gaps are left unsealed, pests can slip inside and cause infestations.
Signs of a Boxelder Bug Infestation
Look for clusters on your home’s exterior, especially near sunny walls. Watch for bugs slipping through cracks around windows and doors. Indoors, you may see them near sunny windows or in attics on warm days.
Their feces can leave dark stains on walls, curtains, and light surfaces. In large infestations, hundreds may gather in a single area. The presence of crushed bugs can also attract ants and other insects.
If you notice these signs, schedule an inspection with local exterminators. Trained professionals can identify the extent of a boxelder bug infestation and recommend treatments to eliminate it safely.
What Attracts Boxelder Bugs to Laplace Homes
Boxelder bugs feed on the seed pods and leaves of boxelder and acer trees, which are common throughout South Louisiana. They are attracted to sunny sides of homes because warmth helps them survive cooler nights.
Crevices around siding, vents, and eaves provide perfect overwintering sites. Once boxelder bugs find their way in, they can remain hidden until spring. Keeping your property clear of fallen seed pods and trimming trees near your home can reduce the number of seed pods.
When the infestation becomes too much to handle, residential pest control services in Louisiana are the most effective solution. These treatments target both adult bugs and nymphs, preventing future invasions.
Can You Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs Yourself?
Some homeowners try using dish soap and water sprays or soapy water traps to get rid of boxelder bugs. While these methods can kill individual insects, DIY rarely stops the problem at its source.
The dangers of DIY pest control include using too much product or missing hidden entry points. Without a complete exclusion plan, bugs will continue to return each year. Professional pest management seals every crack and crevice and treats infestations with safe, targeted products.
Preventing Future Infestations
Prevention starts with a tight home. Caulk around windows, doors, and siding to block entry points. Repair torn screens and check that attic vents are secure. If certain boxelder or ash trees keep drawing bugs, consider removal. If removal is not possible, ask a pest pro about late-summer treatments to reduce seed production.
Quarterly treatments can help you maintain a pest-free home year-round. Local experts who understand common bugs in Louisiana can tailor their services for your property and climate.
Why Professional Treatment Is Worth It
Professional exterminators can treat both the inside and the outside of your home. We use products designed for long-term protection and know precisely where boxelder bugs hide.
Our technicians from LaJaunie’s Pest Control inspect attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls, then treat key areas where overwintering bugs gather. With same-day service and a satisfaction guarantee, local homeowners can get quick relief and long-lasting results.
Unlike store-bought insecticides or short-term sprays, professional treatments create a protective barrier around your home. We also provide follow-up inspections to ensure that boxelder bugs don’t return.
Making the Right Choice for Your Laplace Home
Boxelder bugs are common seasonal pests in Laplace, but you don’t have to live with them. Knowing what attracts them and how to block entry points can help you avoid recurring infestations.
When these true bugs start covering your walls in early fall, it’s time to call the experts. At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we offer residential pest control services that are fast, safe, and effective for families across southeastern Louisiana.
Contact us today to schedule service in Laplace, LA. Our local technicians know how to keep your home pest-free and comfortable all year.
FAQs
Are boxelder bugs harmful to people or pets?
No. Boxelder bugs do not bite or spread disease. They are a nuisance because they gather in large groups and can stain surfaces with their droppings.
How can I keep boxelder bugs from entering my house?
Seal all cracks, crevices, and gaps around your home. Repair screens and install weather stripping on doors. Regular pest control treatments can also reduce the chance of overwintering.
Do boxelder bugs come back every year?
Yes. Since boxelder bugs overwinter in walls and attics, they often return to the exact locations each fall. Professional pest control treatments and exclusion work help stop this cycle.
