For Boise homeowners, nothing can be quite as annoying as dealing with clover mites and box elder bugs. They may be tiny, but they can be surprisingly big nuisances, even though they don’t pose serious health risks. That said, they can still stain walls and cause stress each year for Boise homeowners. The best way to keep them out is to seal off all entry points with the help of smart exclusion methods from your trusted Boise pest control company.
What Are These Bugs?
- Clover mites: These arachnids measure only about 1/30 of an inch and are reddish or brown in color. They feed on grasses and plants around the home and begin crawling indoors along windows, baseboards, walls, and furniture in early spring and autumn. If crushed, they leave reddish stains. While they don’t bite or carry disease, they are a nuisance.
- Box elder bugs: About ½ inch long, these bugs are black with red or orange markings. They gather on warm surfaces in your home during cooler fall temperatures. Outdoors, they feed on box elder, maple, or ash trees but tend to overwinter in homes. Their droppings can stain, and they emit an unpleasant odor when crushed.
Importance of Sealing Entry Points
Both pests enter your home through small gaps and cracks. Common entry points include:
- Cracks in siding
- Gaps around windows and doors
- Gaps around vent pipes
- Openings in foundation joints
- Torn screens
To keep them out, seal these entry points with caulk, silicone sealant, expandable foam, fine mesh screening, or steel wool.
Practical Steps for Boise Homeowners
From inspecting your interiors to clearing vegetation, here are a few things you can do to keep box elder bugs and clover mites out of your Boise or Meridian home:
- Inspect the exterior: Walk the perimeter of your home, especially south and west walls where box elder bugs gather. Look for cracks, gaps, or deteriorated materials.
- Seal entry points: Use weather-resistant caulks and sealants for small gaps. For larger voids, use foam backer rod or expandable foam.
- Maintain screens and door sweeps: Repair torn screens and install door sweeps and weatherstripping.
- Clear vegetation and debris: Keep plants, grass, mulch, and debris at least 10 feet from your home to prevent them from crawling up the walls.
- Remove or manage box elder trees: Trim or remove these trees to reduce the source population.
- Vacuum intruders, don’t squish: Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Avoid squishing them to prevent stains and odors.
- Perform seasonal checks: Reseal old caulk, check screens, and monitor previously sealed areas every spring and fall.
If your DIY prevention efforts aren’t enough, it’s time to call a professional Boise pest control company. Experts can identify hidden weak spots in your siding, rooflines, or foundation, and apply perimeter barrier treatments to keep pests out for good.
Contact Eco Pest Control
Our Boise pest control technicians are trained in sealing entry points and effectively handling infestations of clover mites and box elder bugs. Please contact us today at 208-600-8734 for a free quote and inspection.
