Portland, OR – A flurry of boxelder bugs has taken Northwest Portland by surprise this May, disrupting the usual cycle that typically sees these harmless insects swarm in large numbers in the fall.
Boxelder bugs, the benign creatures known to alarm residents with their propensity to mass on home exteriors, are re-emerging from their overwintering sites later than anticipated and in bigger numbers due to the sudden warm weather after a chilly spring.
In spring, boxelder bugs re-emerge to feed and mate, quickly boosting their population. Experts say that the insects are harmless. To keep the bugs at bay, homeowners are advised to seal cracks and crevices and repair any damages to window screens.
Exclusion remains the most recommended course of action, with vacuuming as the preferred method of dealing with bugs that have already entered the home. Even though chemical treatments are available, they are rarely more effective than vacuuming and should be applied by licensed applicators, if needed.
While the May surge of boxelder bugs has been unsettling for many Northwest Portland homeowners, experts reiterate their benign nature. Even as the bugs adjust their cycle, their impact remains minimal and primarily a nuisance. As we move into the summer months, residents can expect to see a decline in the boxelder bug population.