Boxelder bugs are common in the Olympia area, especially on sunny fall days. Their black bodies with orange markings make them easy to recognize, and when they gather in large numbers, they quickly go from harmless to annoying. They do not bite. Still, no one wants them on siding, windows, or inside the house.
The problem is they slip through small cracks, loose screens, and gaps around the home. Once inside, they hide in attics or wall spaces to spend the winter, making them difficult to reach. Many Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey homeowners face recurring problems each year, despite trying sprays or other quick fixes.
The good news is that you can prevent most boxelder bug issues before they start. This guide covers why Olympia homes attract them, the most common entry points, sealing tips, and when to call a pest control pro.
Key Takeaways:
- Boxelder bugs do not damage homes, but large groups are a nuisance on siding, doors, and windows. Seal cracks and gaps to keep them outside.
- Around Olympia, they move into attics, soffits, and wall spaces to spend winter. Once inside, removal is tough without professional help.
- Common entry points include window and door frames, gaps in siding, soffit vents, and openings around utility lines. Using fresh caulk and repairing screens helps block these access spots.
- A licensed pest control team can develop a plan to prevent recurring problems. PCI Pest Control serves Olympia and Thurston County with tailored solutions.
Why Boxelder Bugs Gather Around Olympia Homes
Boxelder bugs in Olympia spend most of their lives on boxelder trees, ash trees, and sometimes maples. They feed on seeds, leaves, and bark. In summer, females lay eggs on the trees. They do minor damage outdoors, but large groups can be a nuisance.
As the weather cools in Thurston County and nearby cities like Tumwater and Lacey, the bugs seek warm hiding spots. Homes with cracks, open soffit vents, or loose siding provide easy shelter for them to overwinter. Once inside, they’re tough to get rid of without professional help.
Common Entry Points for Boxelder Bugs
To seal entry points in Olympia homes, first identify where bugs enter. The most common entry points include:
- Small cracks and crevices around windows and doors
- Gaps in siding, soffit, or rooflines
- Openings around pipes, wires, or vents
- Unsealed attic or crawlspace access points
Olympia’s damp weather breaks down caulk and weatherstripping faster. These same gaps also allow stink bugs and other pests to enter.
How to Seal Your Home Against Boxelder Bugs
Stopping a boxelder bug infestation starts with sealing your home before the bugs move in. Here’s how to do it:
- Walk the outside of your home. Look for cracks, holes, or loose areas. Apply fresh exterior-grade caulk at windows, doors, and siding seams.
- Check soffits, roof edges, and attic vents. Repair or add 1/8-inch mesh screens to prevent bugs from crawling through: seal dryer vents and utility openings with proper covers.
- Tidy the yard. Trim boxelder and other seed-bearing branches that touch the home. You do not need to remove trees; simply keep limbs away from the siding to prevent damage.
When Prevention Isn’t Enough
Even with sealing, some bugs may get inside. Sprays might kill a few, but they don’t address the root cause. That is the time to call in a pest control company for an effective boxelder bug control plan in Olympia.
At PCI Pest Control, we inspect the exterior, attic, and crawlspace to identify every potential entry point. Our local team develops a pest management plan tailored to the Pacific Northwest to prevent recurring fall invasions.
Protecting Your Olympia Home Year After Year
Boxelder bugs return with the change of seasons, but you do not have to deal with them alone. At PCI Pest Control, we have been serving Olympia and Thurston County since 1998, providing trusted pest control service in Washington.
Contact us today or request a free quote. We’re ready to help protect your home, too.
FAQs
What do boxelder bugs look like?
They are primarily black (sometimes dark brown) with bright orange lines on the wings and edges. Adults are about 1/2 inch long. Nymphs are smaller and bright red.
When are boxelder bugs most active in Olympia?
They gather in late summer and fall while seeking warm winter spots. This is when they are most likely to move into homes.
Can sealing my home also keep other pests out?
Yes. Sealing cracks, fixing soffit screens, and applying caulk also help block stink bugs, ants, and other seasonal pests.
to walk you through your pest control plan.
