The Seasonality of Boxelder Bugs

Why are boxelder bugs seasonal, even in Florida? When can we expect to see them?

If you’ve noticed clusters of dark bugs gathered on the side of your home, sunny windows, or your patio area, you’re not alone. Boxelder bugs are a common seasonal nuisance here in Northeast Florida. While they don’t pose any known serious health risks, they can quickly overwhelm us with their presence.

Understanding why boxelder bugs appear at certain times of the year can be a huge help for home and business owners throughout Northeast Florida to stay ahead of them – for good.

When Are Boxelder Bugs Most Active in Florida?

Unlike mosquitoes, boxelder bugs are not a constant presence in Northeast Florida. However, they do follow predictable patterns. Boxelder bugs emerge in larger numbers in late summer and early fall. During this time, they’re feeding and preparing for cooler weather. As temperatures begin to dip, even slightly by our standards, boxelder bugs begin searching for warm, sunny surfaces.

They’re larger than mosquitoes, and more distinct in appearance. But what makes boxelder bugs more visible is two-fold. First, they might gather in very large numbers. Second, even if there are only a few, they prefer to rest in places that are highly visible to us. You’ll find boxelder bugs clustered on south and west-facing exterior walls, gathered around windows, doors, and patios. You might even find them sunning themselves on your fence or outdoor furniture.

During fall and winter, boxelder bugs look for shelter. Gaps, cracks, and crevices around your home’s exterior allow easy access to your home’s interior spaces. Once inside, they will hide and become inactive but often reappear on warm days. Springtime temperatures wake boxelder bugs, at which time homeowners begin to see them in large numbers once more.

How Do Boxelder Bugs Flourish in Northeast Florida?

Mild winters in Northeast Florida play a huge role in boxelder bug survival and activity. Because we don’t experience prolonged freezing temperatures, these pests can easily survive winters here than in colder regions of the United States.

DIY Boxelder Bug Control Often Falls Short

Many homeowners attempt to sweep, spray, or seal their way out of their boxelder bug problems once they see them. However, what they might not know is that the infestation is already established. Spot treatments and indoor sprays can take care of the bugs we see – but what about the ones still lurking in unseen spaces?

When you work with Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida for professional boxelder bug control, you will receive:

• A full assessment of your property to target nesting areas
• Barrier treatment of your property, including outdoor living areas, and areas where the bugs are likely to enter your home
• Ongoing regular treatments
• Monitoring aligned with seasonal migration patterns to allay their entry inside your home for overwintering
• Many fewer boxelder bugs emerging in the spring

Search for outdoor bug control and choose Mosquito Squad.

Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida is a trusted tick control and mosquito control company, serving Jacksonville, Saint Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and surrounding areas. Also call us for outdoor pest control in Yulee, Atlantic Beach, Fruit Cove, and beyond!

At Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida, our goal is your complete satisfaction. That’s why we offer a

Put our mosquito control to work for all your needs. Call Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida at (904) 844-0816 to learn more about our formulas and outdoor pest control plans.

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