What Are the Signs of Boxelder Bugs in Olympia, WA?

If you see red and black bugs gathering around your Olympia home, they are likely boxelder bugs. These insects are common across the Pacific Northwest. They do not bite or sting, but large groups can become a real nuisance.

Boxelder bugs feed on boxelder, ash, and a few other host trees. From late summer into fall, they gather on the sunny sides of homes to stay warm. When it gets colder, they slip through small gaps and spend winter in attics, walls, and crawl spaces.

Knowing the early signs of boxelder bugs in Olympia helps you stop an infestation before it grows. Below you will learn how to spot them, where they hide, and how local pros can treat the problem and help keep your home pest-free year-round with effective boxelder bug control in Olympia, WA.

Key Takeaways

• Boxelder bugs are black with red markings or reddish-orange lines on their backs.
• They gather on the sunny sides of homes in late summer before moving indoors.
• They release a foul odor when crushed and can stain light surfaces.
• PCI Pest Control offers safe, professional pest control to keep your Olympia home protected.

How to Identify Boxelder Bugs

Adult boxelder bugs are about ½ inch long. They are dark brown to black with thin red lines along the wing edges. Young bugs, called nymphs, are smaller and bright orange-red. You often see them in groups on bark near boxelder or ash trees.

They are native to North America and complete one primary life cycle each year. In spring, females lay eggs on trunks, branches, and leaves of host trees. After hatching, nymphs drink sap and mature into adults by late summer.

If you spot them on siding, window frames, or other sunny spots, it may be the start of a boxelder bug infestation in Olympia.

Common Signs of a Boxelder Bug Infestation

The first sign of a boxelder bug infestation is seeing them gather on exterior walls, especially those facing south or west. These bugs prefer warmth and sunlight. As the weather cools, they search for entry points into your home.

You may also notice:

• Small groups of bugs near windows and doors in late summer.
• Reddish stains on walls or curtains from crushed bugs.
• A foul odor is released when they are vacuumed or squished, similar to stink bugs.
• Bugs hide in attics or wall voids where they can overwinter.

They do not damage wood, but they can stain paint, fabrics, and furniture. Homes near forests or rivers in Thurston County tend to see more of them each year.

If you’re already seeing these bugs inside, our team at PCI Pest Control can provide pest control services in Olympia, WA, to remove them safely and stop them from returning. We also offer termite treatments to protect your home from structural damage. 

Why Boxelder Bugs Are Common in Olympia

Olympia’s climate makes it a natural home for boxelder bugs. Cool winters, mild summers, and many host trees help them thrive. In this wooded area of the PNW, homes near host trees are more likely to attract them.

As fall approaches, boxelder bugs in Olympia homes often gather with other common pests, such as stink bugs, wasps, and even bed bugs, seeking warmth. Once inside, they can survive all winter until temperatures rise again.

Residents often notice them near ash and boxelder trees in neighborhoods such as Lacey and Tumwater, and across Thurston County. WSU entomologists note that these insects don’t pose a danger, but can become a recurring issue if homeowners don’t properly seal their house. 

How to Prevent Boxelder Bugs from Entering Your Home

The best way to avoid boxelder bugs is to stop them before they find a way inside. Here are simple steps Olympia homeowners can take:

• Seal cracks and crevices around siding, window frames, and door trim.
• Check vents and screens for damage and repair any gaps.
• Clear leaves, seed pods, and debris around host trees near your yard.
• Vacuum bugs instead of crushing them to prevent a foul odor.

If boxelder bugs continue to appear, we offer professional pest control and an All Seasons Protection plan. Our experts will seal entry points and apply a barrier around your home that keeps pests from settling in for the winter.

When to Call Professional Pest Control

DIY sprays and home fixes often do not solve a boxelder bug problem for long. These insects hide behind walls and insulation. A detailed inspection and targeted treatment work best.

We serve Olympia and nearby areas. Our trained team develops a plan targeting adults, eggs, and nymphs. We use products approved for homes and focus on long-term prevention, not just quick fixes. 

Whether you have boxelder bugs, stink bugs, or yellow jackets, our technicians provide treatments that help keep your home pest-free year-round.

Keep Your Olympia Home Pest-Free with PCI Pest Control

Boxelder bugs are a seasonal problem in Olympia, and early treatment keeps them from spreading indoors. At PCI Pest Control, we provide reliable, local pest management for homes throughout the South Sound.

Want fast, effective help with boxelder bugs? Contact us today to schedule your inspection.

FAQs

Do boxelder bugs cause damage?

No. Boxelder bugs don’t harm wood or fabrics, but they can stain surfaces and release a foul odor when crushed.

When do boxelder bugs lay eggs?

They lay eggs in spring on the bark and leaves of boxelder and ash trees. Once hatched, the nymphs grow through several stages before reaching adulthood.

What’s the best way to prevent a boxelder bug infestation?

Seal cracks, check window frames, and schedule regular pest control from PCI Pest Control. Our team provides effective treatment options to keep your Olympia home pest-free all year.