Stop Stink Bugs, Boxelder Bugs & Asian Lady Beetles Before They Take Over Your Home!

Boxelder bugs mostly feed on the seeds, sap, and leaves of boxelder trees, but they also enjoy other maples, ashes, and fruits like apples, cherries, and plums. Asian lady beetles mainly eat aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs, along with the eggs of moths and butterflies. Stink bugs, on the other hand similar to the box elder bugs, suck the juices from a variety of plants, including fruits, berries, beans, and vegetables, and are especially damaging to crops like apples, peaches, and tomatoes. During the winter months, seasonal invaders like boxelder bugs, Asian lady beetles, and stink bugs enter a state of dormancy known as diapause. In this period, they stop eating and become inactive as they seek shelter indoors to survive the colder temperatures. They rely on the warmth of homes and buildings to stay safe until spring arrives.

During the winter, seasonal invaders like stink bugs enter your home at the end of fall to escape the cold. They overwinter inside, but on warmer days, they may become active and move around due to temperature fluctuations, even though they’re meant to remain dormant. Seasonal invading insects, like stink bugs and boxelder bugs, often hide in wall voids, attics, and other tight, warm areas of your home to stay protected from the cold during the winter months.

As a homeowner, the best way to deal with pests is to stop them from getting in in the first place. Make sure your window screens, doors, and other entry points are in good shape to keep pests outside. If you’ve already got pests inside, a quick vacuum can help get rid of them. You can also use soapy water in a shallow dish or bottle to trap and remove any stragglers. For added peace of mind, we offer sealing inspections to help identify and fix any spots where pests might be getting in. We're here to help you keep your home pest-free with simple, effective solutions.

The boxelder bug is named for its common presence on female box elder trees, though it also feeds on various seed-bearing trees, with silver maples being the next most common. It specifically targets female trees because male trees don’t produce seed pods. Occasionally, it will also feed on apple and plum fruits.

Stink bugs release a foul odor as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened. They have special glands in their thorax that produce this strong-smelling chemical, which serves as a warning to predators to stay away. Essentially, the smell is their way of saying, "Don't eat me!" Not everyone can smell stink bugs, and the scent can vary from person to person. Some people might not notice it at all, while others might find it more intense or have a different perception of the odor.

Ladybugs are bright red, while Asian lady beetles are orange or yellow, with ladybugs typically having 11 black spots and Asian lady beetles about 19. Both are similar in size and tuck their wings, but Asian lady beetles have a black "M" shape on their heads, which ladybugs lack (though it can be hard to spot). Asian lady beetles are also more aggressive and often travel in groups. Additionally, Asian lady beetles, box elder bugs, and stink bugs can all emit a foul odor as a defense or when crushed.