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It happens every fall: one day your home looks perfectly fine, and the next, the sunny side of your house is covered in small, dark-colored bugs. Where did they come from? Are they dangerous?
The culprits are boxelder bugs, a common seasonal pest in Tennessee. While they don’t bite or cause structural damage, they can become a frustrating nuisance when they slip inside. Here’s why these bugs invade homes every fall, how to identify them, and what you can do to keep them out.
Why Boxelder Bugs Target Tennessee Homes
Like birds, boxelder bugs migrate, but on a much smaller scale.
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Summer: They live on and around box elder and silver maple trees.
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Fall: As temperatures drop, they search for warm, sheltered spots to survive winter.
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Attraction: They’re drawn to south-facing walls and light-colored exteriors, where they gather in large groups before squeezing into cracks and gaps.
Once inside, they tuck themselves into wall voids or attics, entering a dormant state (called diapause) until spring, when they reemerge.
How to Identify Box Elder Bugs
Boxelder bugs are easy to recognize once you know what to look for:
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About ½ inch long
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Flat, oval-shaped bodies
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Black with bright red or orange markings along their wings
In the fall, you’ll likely spot them on sunny exterior walls, near windows, or even inside your home, especially in upper rooms or around baseboards.
Why Tennessee is a Hotspot for Box Elder Bugs
Tennessee provides the perfect environment for these pests:
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Climate: Hot summers and mild winters allow populations to thrive.
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Abundant host trees: Boxelders and silver maples are common across the state.
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Seasonal swings: Sudden shifts from hot to cool temperatures signal them to move indoors.
Problems Box Elder Bugs Cause Indoors
While not destructive or dangerous, boxelder bugs bring plenty of headaches:
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Nuisance factor: Bugs crawling around indoors during fall and reappearing in spring.
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Odor issues: Crushing them releases an unpleasant smell.
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Stains: Their excretions can discolor curtains, furniture, and fabrics.
Simply put, these pests overstay their welcome.
How to Keep Box Elder Bugs Out This Fall
The best time to act is before they move inside. Try these preventative steps:
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Seal cracks in your foundation and siding
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Repair gaps around windows and doors
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Fix torn window screens
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Install weatherstripping and door sweeps
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Screen attic vents and soffit openings
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Clear leaf litter and seed pods from your yard
DIY Solutions for Box Elder Bug Control
If you’re already seeing them, here are safe ways to reduce their presence:
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Soapy water spray: Kills clusters on contact.
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Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle around entry points to deter and eliminate them.
What not to do:
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Don’t spray insecticides inside your walls (hazardous and ineffective).
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Don’t crush them indoors (odor and stains).
When to Call a Pest Professional
The most effective way to stop boxelder bugs is with seasonal preventative treatments. At All-American Pest Control, we use:
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Perimeter Plus Service to stop bugs before they get inside
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Pet and child-friendly treatments that target hidden gaps and voids
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Long-term protection that works against boxelder bugs and 47+ other common Tennessee pests
Whether you want prevention or already have an infestation, professional help makes all the difference.
Don’t Let Boxelder Bugs Take Over Your Home
Boxelder bugs (and a couple of other invaders) are a fact of fall in Tennessee, but they don’t have to invade your house. With help from All-American Pest Control, you’ll get reliable, year-round protection from seasonal pests and the peace of mind that your home is safeguarded.
Be proactive this season; contact us today for a free home evaluation or schedule your Complete Care service.
Reliable Pest Control in Nashville, TN & Surrounding Areas
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Sango, Woodlawn, Cunningham, Palmyra, Southside, Fredonia, Hilldale, Hickory Point, Clarksville, Ashland Hills, New Providence, St. Bethlehem, Needmore, Oakridge, Port Royal, Shady Grove, South Guthrie, Southaven, Dotsonville, Hampton Station, Marion, Rossview, and the entire Montgomery County and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule a free home evaluation!