Best time to treat
Late summer and early fall, before they move into wall voids.
Home / Pests / Boxelder & Stink Bugs
Boxelder Bug & Stink Bug Control
Every fall, boxelder bugs, stink bugs, and western conifer seed bugs gather on sunny walls and slip inside to spend the winter. Timing treatment before they move in makes the biggest difference.
Know the pest
Fall invaders in North Idaho
Boxelder bugs are black with red or orange markings and feed on boxelder and maple seeds. In late summer and fall they gather by the hundreds on south- and west-facing walls, then crawl into gaps around windows, siding, and the roofline to overwinter.
Stink bugs and western conifer seed bugs, which are common around pine and fir, behave the same way. None of them breed indoors or damage the house, but they show up on warm winter days, stain surfaces, and release an odor when crushed.
Signs to watch for
Clusters of bugs on sunny siding in September and October Bugs around window frames and sills inside Bugs appearing indoors on warm winter or early spring days A strong odor when a bug is crushed or disturbed Boxelder or maple trees close to the house
Where they go
Wall voids, attics, and gaps around windows, doors, and siding.
Risk level
A nuisance more than a threat. They do not breed indoors or damage structures.
How we handle it
Our approach
Fall invader treatment is part of our General Pest Control service. Learn about General Pest Control.
Step 1
Timing
We schedule exterior treatment before the fall migration onto the house.
Step 2
Exterior treatment
Targeted treatment of the walls, eaves, and entry points where they gather.
Step 3
Sealing guidance
Recommendations for closing the gaps that let them into wall voids.
Common questions
Boxelder & Stink Bugs questions
Are boxelder bugs harmful?
Not really. They rarely bite, do not breed indoors, and do not damage the structure. Their droppings can stain fabric and walls, and large numbers are a nuisance.
Why are boxelder bugs inside in the middle of winter?
They spend the winter in wall voids and attics. On warm, sunny days they wake up and wander toward the light, which brings them into living spaces.
When should I treat for boxelder bugs and stink bugs?
Late summer to early fall, before they move into the walls. Once they are inside, vacuuming them up (without crushing them) is the best indoor option.
Where we treat boxelder & stink bugs
We serve homes and businesses across North Idaho and eastern Washington, including:
Dealing with boxelder & stink bugs?
Call or text and we will confirm the soonest available time for your property.