There are hundreds of thousands of different species of insects out there, so it isn’t always easy to figure out exactly what kind of bug you’re looking at right away. However, being able to identify different insects can help you determine which insects are safe and which ones can cause harm to people and property. Keep reading to learn about how to identify boxelder beetles in Bartlesville, OK and find out more about their behaviors and whether they are harmful or not.
What is a boxelder beetle?
Boxelder bugs have a very distinct appearance that’s easy to identify once you know what to look for. These bugs are black with thin orange or red lines around their body. They have large red eyes on the sides of their heads, and two small red dots on top of their heads. Juvenile boxelder bugs have red bodies with some orange or yellow coloring. The wing coverings of juvenile boxelder bugs are short and black. Typically, juvenile boxelder beetles stick around mature boxelder beetles, so it’s common to notice both juvenile and mature boxelder beetles congregating in the same place.
Boxelder beetles generally stay outside and like to congregate on plants, trees, bushes and the sides of homes and businesses. These beetles seek out surfaces that are exposed to a lot of daylight sun to stay warm, especially when the weather cools down in the fall and winter. During the winter, boxelder beetles often migrate indoors to escape the cold and find reliable sources of moisture.
Are boxelder beetles dangerous?
A lot of people wonder whether boxelder beetles are dangerous, and the answer is that these bugs are generally harmless. However, just because boxelder beetles aren’t dangerous doesn’t mean that they aren’t irritating. If boxelder beetles are injured or crushed, they secrete a staining dye that can damage surfaces. Usually, a single stain from a boxelder beetle isn’t very noticeable, but it can be much more disruptive if there’s a swarm of boxelder beetles congregating indoors.
If you’re dealing with an infestation of boxelder beetles in your home or business, it’s a good idea to contact a pest control service for assistance. Attempting to remove these beetles on your own might leave a lot of dye behind that can be nearly impossible to get out of your surfaces. A pest control specialist can remove these bugs without causing damage to indoor surfaces and building materials.
How to identify boxelder beetles in Bartlesville, OK
At Excellence Pest Control, we know it can sometimes be difficult to identify insects and other pests, and we are here to provide our customers with the expert pest control service necessary to keep all kinds of pests at bay. As a family owned and operated company, we are committed to the quality of our services and the satisfaction of our customers. With our highly trained and experienced team, we can tackle virtually any pest problem or concern. Find out more about what we have to offer by giving us a call today.