Early return of warm weather responsible for increase in Boxelder bugs across GTA

Just like a croaking frog or a chirping bird is a sure sign of spring so is the return of the black and orange Boxelder bugs. And if it feels like there are more of them this year, it’s not just your imagination.

“One of the few insects that actually overwinter, spends its winters as an adult. And so what happens is we see them in the fall when they’re getting together on the side of buildings and trees – warm places, getting ready to hibernate,” says Darryl Gwynne, professor emeritus of biology at the University of Toronto. “Then they go into crevices, trees and firewood and certainly into houses – they love to crawl under the siding of houses.”

Gwynne adds the fairly mild winter may be responsible for the increased numbers we are seeing this spring.

The bugs are attracted to sunny, heat-reflecting surfaces like windows, concrete, and homes with southern or western exposure. They also tend to keep close to their food sources such as boxelder, maple and ash trees.

Closeup look at the Boxelder bug. CITYNEWS

Dev Patel with Patel Pest Control, a father-son business serving the GTA, says they’ve seen a sharp increase in the number of calls about the bugs.

“It’s typical to have a lot but this year I feel like we’re seeing a little bit more than usual,” he tells CityNews.

Patel says while the bugs tend to annoy people, especially when they cluster together in sunny spots, they are essentially harmless to people and pets.

“If a dog or a cat eats one, they might release a pungent smell and the pet might vomit but they tend to learn their lesson and avoid them after that,” he adds.

Unlike some other pests, the City of Toronto tells CityNews they do not specifically target this insect because it does not damage any of the local plant life.