BOX ELDER BUGS
EXTERMINATOR

The Manitoba maple bug, also known as the devil bug or box elder bug, is an insect native to North America. Here are some signs that may indicate the presence of these bugs in your environment:

1. The bug itself: Manitoba maple bugs are quite large, measuring about 1.5 to 2 cm long. They are brown in colour and have a characteristic shield shape. Their bodies are flat and wide, with a white or yellowish band on the edges of their folded wings.
2. Spotting: These insects can leave spots when crushed. These stains can be particularly noticeable on light surfaces.
3. Unpleasant odour: If you notice an unexplained unpleasant odour, it may be a sign that these bugs are present. Indeed, when they feel threatened, these bugs can release a chemical substance with an unpleasant odour to deter predators.
4. Plant Damage: Manitoba maple bugs feed on the sap of plants, which can cause visible damage. Leaves of infested plants may show yellow or brown spots, wilt or fall prematurely.
5. Clustering: These bugs tend to cluster in large numbers, especially as winter approaches. If you notice a large number of insects clustered on a tree, plant or the side of your house, you are likely dealing with Manitoba maple bugs.

If you notice one or more of these signs, it is recommended that you contact a professional for advice on how best to manage the infestation.

The Manitoba maple bug, or box elder bug, can be a nuisance, especially when it settles in large numbers. Here are some strategies to help you get rid of them:

1. Prevention: Start by sealing all cracks and openings in your home with caulk or other materials. This can prevent bedbugs from entering your home when they are looking for a place to hibernate during the winter.
2. Bedbug traps: There are specific traps on the market that attract bedbugs with pheromones. Once lured into the trap, the bugs cannot get out and eventually die.
3. Vacuuming: If you notice bedbugs in your home, you can vacuum them up with a vacuum cleaner. Then be sure to empty the vacuum bag outside to prevent bedbugs from coming back into your home.
4. Insecticides: Specific insecticides can be used against Manitoba maple bugs. However, their use should be done with caution to minimize the impact on the environment and other non-target species. It is best to hire a professional for this option.
5. Pest Control Professionals: If the infestation is large or difficult to control, professional help may be needed. They have the expertise and tools to manage the infestation safely and effectively.

It is important to note that these methods may not completely eliminate the bedbug population, but they can help control them and reduce the nuisance they cause.

To avoid Manitoba maple bug infestations, here are some preventative measures you can take:

1. Seal openings: Bedbugs can enter homes through cracks and openings around windows, doors, pipes, conduits and electrical wires. Sealing these openings with caulk or other material can help prevent their entry.
2. Clean up: Remove piles of leaves and other debris that could provide a haven for bedbugs outside your home.
3. Tree and Shrub Pruning: Stink bugs are particularly attracted to Manitoba maples. Moving the branches of these trees away from your home can help reduce the number of bugs looking to enter.
4. Preventative Insecticides: If you live in an area known for bedbug infestations, you may want to consider using preventative insecticides. These products should be used with caution and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Professional assistance: If you are concerned about an infestation, consider hiring a exterminator professional. They can assess your situation and propose preventive solutions.

By keeping these preventive measures in mind, you can reduce the risk of a Manitoba maple bug infestation in your home.

Manitoba maple bugs, also known as wood bugs, are attracted to several factors:

1. Host plants: These insects are particularly attracted to certain plants, including Manitoba maple (or silver maple), hence the name. They may also be attracted to other maple species, as well as to various trees and shrubs.
2. Light: Like many insects, Manitoba maple bugs are attracted to light. They may therefore be more numerous near houses and other structures that are lit at night.
3. Shelters: Bedbugs look for places to hibernate during the winter. They may be attracted to houses and other buildings that provide shelter from the cold.
4. Food: These bugs feed mainly on the sap of trees, especially maple trees. They are therefore attracted to areas where these trees are abundant.

By understanding what attracts Manitoba maple bugs, you can take steps to make your home less attractive to these insects and thus avoid an infestation.

The life cycle of Manitoba maple bugs, also known as wood bugs, includes several stages:

1. Eggs: After mating in the spring, the female lays her eggs on the bark of trees, especially maples, or on surrounding plants.
2. Nymphs: The eggs hatch into small bugs called nymphs, which look like adults but are smaller and do not have full wings. Nymphs go through several growth stages, called instars, during which they increase in size.
3. Adults: After going through several instars, the nymphs moult one last time to become adults. These adult bugs are able to reproduce and start the life cycle again.
4. Hibernation: Manitoba maple bugs hibernate during the winter, often in sheltered areas such as homes or buildings. They emerge in the spring to feed and reproduce.

It is important to note that the exact life cycle may vary depending on local environmental conditions and climate.