The boxelder tree, it is pervasive in the Idaho Falls area. You will see them everywhere! Also known as an ash-leaf maple, boxelder trees thrive in our cool and dry climate. They are fast to grow, and offer up great shade and a home for birds and squirrels. They might not be the prettiest tree in the world, but they are hardy and they prevent soil erosion. Despite their shortcomings, in southeast Idaho we have them and we live with them. Because of this, we also live with the little black and red bugs that come with them.
Boxelder bugs are harmless, but they are considered a pest. If you have these prolific bugs all over your home and yard, there is help! Star Pest Control, a tree spraying service near you in Idaho Falls, can help control these pests so you can enjoy your yard without being overwhelmed by them!
Boxelder Tree Pest Removal In Idaho Falls
Let’s indulge in a quick biology lesson about boxelder trees and boxelder bugs. Boxelder trees come in two types, male and female. The female trees produce blossoms that, when pollinated, turn a bright green color. They are also the kind that attracts boxelder bugs. So if you have a boxelder tree in your yard, and you don’t notice the boxelder bugs too much, your tree is likely a male. If you have a female tree, you definitely notice the bugs! Boxelder bugs are true bugs. As the saying goes, “all bugs are insects, but not all insects are bugs!” True bugs have piercing/sucking mouthparts, and are in the same family as cicadas, stink bugs, and asassin bugs, which are all hemipterans. These small black and red bugs love to eat the the juice that is in the ungerminated seeds from the female boxelder tree.
As more seeds develop through the summer, more boxelder bugs show up to feast. The baby boxelder bugs are soft-bodied and all red, they often cluster together in the sunshine on fences, trees, and even your house. No need to worry, they cannot hurt you, and they cannot damage your home. They can get into every nook and cranny, however, and they have an unpleasant odor when smashed. Even though they are harmless, not everyone loves a stampede of insects where they eat and sleep.
In Idaho Falls, there is help – Star Pest Control offers tree spraying service that can keep these bugs under control. We use chemical and organic sprays on your boxelder tree to stop the boxelder bugs from invading your personal space. This keeps your summer tidy and nearly pest free! For Star Pest Control tree spraying services near you, don’t hesitate to call today!
Featured Photo by Michael Morse