StettlerLocal.com on September 26, 2023 at 8:06 pm - UPDATED October 15, 2023
Editor's Note: This article has been updated with italicized comments, based on our experiences. If you have any hints or suggestions about these bugs, please share them on our Facebook page or email us at StettlerLocal (at) gmail (dot) com.
Stettler seems to be infested with boxelder (maple) bugs this fall.
You've seen these black-and-red bugs, each one trying to make its way indoors before winter hits.
According to Pest Control Canada, these bugs lay eggs in boxelder or silver maple trees in the spring, where they feed on leaves and seeds over the summer.
One solution is to remove boxelder trees (also called Manitoba Maples), or replace female trees with male trees from a nursery. But this isn't always practical or economical.
"If you decide you would like to spray for control, one home remedy is to use a 3-4% mix of water and soap (by volume) that can be sprayed directly on the insects," says the Pest Control Canada website.
Editor's Note: We received a tip that lemon dish soap works best, and we're pleased with the results.
As for any insects trying to move into your home, experts recommend sealing up any cracks or holes, and moving any woodpiles away from your house.
But don't squish them, say experts, for two reasons: (1) They can leave a stain when squished; and (2) They can, apparently, leave behind a bad smell.
Editor's Note: We have been squishing these bugs, but haven't noticed a smell. What we have noticed, however, is that more bugs seem to appear if you do squish them. The blog, Maple Living, says these bugs can emit pheromones if squished.
To avoid this unpleasantness, says the U.S. National Pesticide Information Center, vacuum up the bugs, then freeze the vacuum bag overnight. This is supposed to kill them off.
If you find these bugs in your house in the weeks to come, there's a bit of good news. They don't normally breed over the winter – which will keep their population under control, they're not destructive, and they'll be anxious to get back outside when warmer spring weather arrives.
Comments