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Boxelder bug and stink bug sightings are widespread during the fall in Minnesota. Both bugs at this time of year are searching for warm places to go to overwinter. This behavior is triggered when the temperatures at night start to drop. During this time, these bugs can be seen swarming on the south side of homes to warm their bodies after being outside all night.
Boxelder bugs find their way inside through the foundation, under the siding, behind brick façade walls, and under damaged weather stripping. Stink bugs are relatively new to Minnesota. They were first spotted here in 2010 and we are currently still learning about their behavior. We have begun to notice that their most used entry points are higher up than where the boxelder bugs enter the home. They get inside through chimneys, soffits, roof vents, and windows that are on the 2nd floor or higher. Once these insects are inside, their behavior changes, and a majority of them will stay dormant to conserve energy until spring. They stay hidden in attics, inside foundation blocks, and behind the walls and siding.
The reason some of these insects are found inside the living areas is due to the sun. Just like in the fall when the insects are attracted to south-facing walls, they are also attracted to the sun when they are inside. On sunny days during winter, though it’s cold outside, the sun is still able to heat the roof, windows, and walls enough for the hibernating insects to wake up. This is why most of the insects you see are near the sunniest sections of the home.
When you see boxelder bugs and stink bugs walking around inside, both insects DO NOT lay eggs or mate in the winter. They also do not cause structural damage, sting, bite, or spread diseases.
Unfortunately, there is no effective winter treatment to combat the insects already inside. The reason being is that a majority of the population is still not visible and hidden behind walls or in the attic where they will not be affected by an indoor spray. In the winter, an optimum remedy is to either vacuum them up or flush them down the toilet when you see them.
The best solution to keep boxelder bugs and stink bugs out of your home next winter is by spraying around the exterior of the home in the fall. This treatment is significantly more effective when done right before the swarming and overwintering start. Once the chemical is dried on the siding, foundation, and roofline, any bug that lands on the sprayed areas will die before reaching the inside.
