Why Are Stink Bugs & Boxelder Bugs in My Home?
Boxelder bugs are an overwintering insect that’s no stranger to most Minneapolis homeowners. You may have witnessed them congregating on the exteriors of your house, soaking in the rays on a sunny day. More recently, the brown marmorated stink bug has been making its way into houses across Minnesota.
The brown marmorated stink bug has been making its way through the neighborhoods of the Twin Cities Metro. This nuisance insect behaves much like its boxelder bug companions by hanging out on the siding of homes in the fall on warm sunny days. Then, just like that, they vanish by late November. Problem solved, right? Not quite — these bugs haven’t left, they’re just hiding and waiting for the right moment to make a comeback.
The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is a non-native invasive pest first discovered in Minnesota in 2010. It is a nuisance pest that is increasing in population, and unlike other stink bugs found in Minnesota, BMSB prefers to overwinter in homes. Read more
Why am I getting stink bugs and boxelder bugs in the spring?
Your home provides warmth and shelter — not just for you, but for pests looking to escape the cold. During the fall in Minnesota, stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and Asian lady beetles squeeze into cracks around your house’s siding and windows, settling in for the winter. They remain hidden and inactive through the cold months, but once temperatures rise in the spring, they wake up and start looking for a way back outside.
As they become active, stink bugs are drawn to the warmth inside your home. A few here and there aren’t a big deal — just vacuum them up and toss them in the trash or flush them away. But as soon as the next warm day arrives, more crawl out from hiding, turning your walls into their personal playground. So, what can you do?
How do I get rid of and prevent stink bugs?
Stink bugs and boxelder bugs may be persistent, but you don’t have to just put up with these overwintering insects in your Minneapolis home. While they like to sneak into walls and windowsills in the fall and emerge when temperatures rise, there are ways to manage their presence and keep them from coming back.
Here’s how we recommend handling stink bugs when they’re stinking up your peace and quiet:
- The easiest way to remove stink bugs is to suck them up with a vacuum. Just be sure to empty the canister or bag outside to avoid any lingering odors.
- You can set up a simple trap. A shallow dish of soapy water under a light at night can lure stink bugs in and keep them from wandering around your home.
- Seal entry points. Use caulk on cracks around windows, doors, and siding to prevent more from sneaking inside.
The best way to stop them for good
The most effective way to prevent stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and Asian lady beetles is to take action before they move in. Fall is the ideal time for treatment, as these pests seek warmth and shelter before winter. Keep an eye on the sunny (south and west) sides of your home where they tend to gather. Spraying them with a hose or using a shop vac with soapy water can help reduce their numbers.
For long-term protection, professional treatment is the best option. The expert technicians on our team work by targeting the areas where pests congregate, creating a protective barrier that keeps them from settling into your home in the first place. When it comes to pest control, a good defense is the best offense and that’s what you get whenever you call the pros at Rainbow Pest Experts.
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