By Tyler Marr

Boxelders back in the Battlefords

Oct 23, 2018 | 9:31 AM

They are black and red and appear to have taken over the Battlefords, but the boxelder is simply a nuisance that will need to be contended with until cooler temperatures set in.

Often referred to as maple bugs, Dr. Rory McIntosh, the provincial forest entomologist and pathologist, said the insects, which feed on the seeds of female Manitoba Maple trees, pose no threat to humans, animals or local vegetation. But due to their bright hue and tendency to congregate in quite large numbers and crawl on the side of buildings, people tend to pay attention.

The bugs tend to flourish in favourable climatic conditions like we are seeing now, and while not overly synchronous, do tend to build up large populations and then collapse due to weather, disease or other factors. 

As the insects look for hibernation spots, they can make their way indoors.

“The important thing is to try to make sure the home is sealed well,” McIntosh said. “In the long run, if people are ever in the situation to do so and have a maple that has seeds, they can remove that in favour of one that does not. It will reduce the numbers in the local location.”

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If boxelders do manage to make their way into your home, McIntosh maintained you should not squish the bugs as they have a red alarm compound that, once the bugs get disturbed, release it and it can stain floors and walls.

“If they do get into the house, get a shop vacuum to vacuum them out,” McIntosh said.

For those overly concerned with the bugs, McIntosh pointed to a number of light prevention methods, such as soap and water solutions. For some reprieve, McIntosh said the Battlefords is not alone in its battle with the bugs, as they are also being seen in large numbers in Regina, Saskatoon and other locations across the province.

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr