Box Elder Bugs – What Houston Residents Should Know!

Houston is plagued with insect problems, such as the mosquito, flea, termite, tick, cockroach, and beetle. Unfortunately, not all pest problems are beatable, especially when they are widespread. With public awareness, Houston consumers have come a long way in knowing pest problems do exist. One particular pest that targets local commercial, residential, and industrial establishments is the box elder bug. This insect is an “overwintering pest,” which means it pretty much sleeps through the winter, surviving on stored fat and nutrients.

Why Did Box Elder Bugs Choose My Home?

Box elder bugs are attracted to specific tree species – cherry, maple, ash, and box elder, its namesake. When it comes to pest identification, it is crucial to take the box elder bug’s unique characteristics into account. The main unique characteristic being the red outline along the edges of each wing. This is no ordinary characteristic that can be ignored since the red outline is sitting on a solid black backdrop, in this case, the wing.

Should I Be Concerned About Box Elder Bugs With My Children?

There is no available evidence that describes the box elder bug as a “disease-carrying insect.” These pests do not transmit diseases to humans or animals. However, the box elder bug does pose food contamination risks. While the insect preys on your household plants, it is picking up bacteria that can be harmful to humans. In other words, it is not recommended to consume food that has been contaminated by box elder bugs.

What Is The First Step To Box Elder Bug Extermination?

Pest control is similar across the industry. Beginning with a visual inspection of the impacted home or business, moving forward to the treatment plan, post-treatment visual inspection.  And last, but not least, the development of a doable, realistic and effective prevention strategy. The major difference is the treatment, which will vary depending on the type of insect involvement, severity of the infestation, the client’s preference, if any, and budget. All of these factors will determine the best course of action for most box elder bug pest control.

Can I Opt DIY Pest Control And See Success?

It is possible, but there are so many barriers in your way that a successful outcome may not be possible. As mentioned previously, the treatment depends on the box elder bug infestation severity rating. A pest infestation ranges between mild and severe, with the former being the least troublesome. DIY pesticides have shown some success with mild box elder infestations, but that is about as far as you will get. Professional pest control, on the other hand, is suitable for all box elder bug infestations, regardless of severity rating.

Can I Request Same-Day In-Home Box Elder Bug Inspection – Exterminator’s Arrival?

We do offer same-day, emergency, and appointment-only pest control service options. Our same-day and emergency services are set aside for Houston consumers in urgent need of pest control. If you believe your box elder bug problem is an emergency, do not hesitate to take advantage of one of these services.

Our appointment-only pest inspections generally take between 24 and 48 hours of the initial service request, at which time, we will dispatch an exterminator to your home.

What Concerns Should I Have About The Chemicals In Pesticides?

Everyone should be concerned when it comes to conventional pesticides with chemicals. These products do contain chemicals that may pose environmental and health risks to humans and animals. However, guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can help minimize or eliminate these risks altogether.

Furthermore, as a licensed extermination company, we are obligated to protect our customers and communities from unnecessary exposure to the chemicals found in traditional pesticides. We take pesticide safety to the next level with our pre-treatment home evacuation requirements.

Is It Possible To Prevent A Repeat Box Elder Bug Infestation Without Professional Pest Management?

Unfortunately, a box elder bug infiltration leaves your home vulnerable to repeat infestations. The solution here is a pest control prevention strategy, which includes routine in-home inspections with or without immediate treatment. We will also work with you and your family to repair and improve your home’s pest barrier. This process targets small crevices, cracks, and other openings utilized by box elder bugs to access the interior of your home.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.