Every Year

Every year we get these boxelder bugs, because we have boxelder trees that attract them, but this year there seems to be bumper crop. Adult boxelder bugs are around 1/2 inch long and black with orange markings or black with red markings. The red ones you see in the pictures are the nymphs or young bugs that have not reached maturity.



These bugs do not bite, they are primarily a nuisance. In mid July the move to female seed bearing boxelder trees and lay eggs on the trunks, branches and leaves. During late summer to early fall they leave the tree and try to find protected areas for the winter. That's when I have a problem with them. I DON'T want them in my house.



There are two trees like this in my yard. That's a whole lotta bugs lookin for somewhere to winter over. Do you have any ideas on how to keep them outside where they belong?