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Denver Colorado Professional Box Elder Bug Extermination
Box elder bug “Boisea trivittatus” is a unique insect, referred to as “nuisance” and “overwintering” pests. Differentiating between the box elder bug and other similar insect species is fairly easy, thanks to its red-outlined wings. The insect’s wings are black, with a bright, almost neon red outline. There is also a bi-segmented red line centralized between the wings.
Why Are Box Elder Bugs Infesting My Basement?
Because they are opportunist pests. When was the last time you assessed the condition of your basement? It is not unusual for homeowners to take their basements for granted. They automatically believe they are in good condition, when in fact, they are vulnerable to insects, rodents, wild animals, strays, and birds. When the soil along the perimeter of a basement or crawlspace foundation becomes over-saturated with water, you better home the structural components are in top-notch condition. Ignoring your basement for too long will only lead to major foundation problems over time.
Basement foundations under high volumes of pressure will eventually crack, leaving the interior vulnerable to insects, like the box elder bug.
Do Box Elder Bugs Carry Contagious Diseases And Parasites?
Box elder bugs do not transmit diseases or parasites to animals or humans. These insects can bite, but rarely do, which is fortunate for young children who like to handle them at every opportunity. They are not known to cause structural damage in basements, crawlspaces, or garages.
While the box elder bug is not a health risk to you or your children or pets, it will leave a mess in its path. A pyridine-based secretion is emitted in response to a dangerous predator, injury, and death. Pyridine is a natural chemical produced by various insect species as a safety response. Once you get a whiff of the pyridine secretion, it will be difficult to forget it. In fact, you will never forget it. This memory will permit you to detect the box elder bug before it comes into your field of view.
What Box Elder Bug Extermination Strategy Is More Effective?
Professional pest control is highly recommended for box elder bug infestations. Boxelder bugs colonize to lessen the strain of winter and summer. Colonies of box elder bugs have dozens, hundreds, or thousands of members. Depending on the colony size, it may be possible to get by with an over-the-counter insecticide. However, this is rarely the case because the magnitude of box elder infestation is generally significant.
Will DIY Pesticide Impact Box Elder Bug Infiltration?
No, DIY pest control is nothing more than over-the-counter pesticides and adhesive pest traps. We only recommend these standard pest control products for minor box elder bug problems. However, if you believe this is your only option due to a limited budget, by all means, go for it.
Are Box Elder Bug Insecticides Harmful To The Environment?
All chemical-based pesticide formulas can pose environmental risks, but only when they are improperly administered, stored, and transported. It is in your best interest to heed EPA guidelines and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
To avoid any potential environmental and human health risks, our exterminators are required to follow a strict pesticide protocol. Our pest control protocol prohibits the treatment of chemical pesticides in box elder bug-infested buildings while occupied by humans and/or animals.
How Can I Protect My Denver Home From A Future Box Elder Bug Infiltration?
Once your home receives a box elder bug-free status from our exterminators, we suggest devising a prevention strategy. The strategy must target the structural components of your home responsible for providing box elder bugs access. We suggest utilizing a waterproof caulk for small- to medium-sized gaps and cracks and custom sheets of metal or weed for utility line openings.
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