10/06/2026
🍁 FALL PEST WARNING: Resist the Urge to Squish Boxelder Bugs!
Have you noticed those black bugs with orange-red markings sunning themselves on your siding, windows, or deck lately? Boxelder bugs are making their annual fall migration toward warm homes across Calgary—but before you go stomping on them, here is a pro-tip from Peregrine Pest Control:
🤮 DON'T SMOOSH THEM!
When crushed, boxelder bugs release a pungent, unpleasant odor as a defense mechanism. To make matters worse, their inner fluid leaves reddish-orange stains on carpets, curtains, and siding that can be nearly impossible to get out!
Here is how to handle them without the smell or the stains:
🧹 Vacuum, Don't Stomp: If they get inside, use a vacuum cleaner and immediately empty the bag or canister into an outside trash bin.
🪟 Seal Up Entry Points: Check your window screens, door weatherstripping, and small cracks along foundation lines where they love to slip through.
💦 Soapy Water Spray: For clusters on outdoor siding, a simple mix of dish soap and water can knock them down without releasing that awful stink.
🛡️ Exterior Perimeter Barrier: Preventing them from congregating on your walls in the first place keeps them from sneaking indoors when temperatures drop.
If boxelder bugs are swarming your property this fall, give our Calgary team a call!
