Box elder bugs typically invade homes in large numbers during the fall as they seek warm places to overwinter. Their presence can be a significant nuisance as they gather in large numbers on sunny exterior walls and inside homes.
When crushed, box elder bugs emit a foul, unpleasant odor. This can make dealing with an infestation particularly unpleasant, especially if the bugs are accidentally squashed inside the home.
Once inside, box elder bugs can be challenging to eliminate completely. Vacuuming is an effective method for removing visible bugs, but professional pest control may be needed to address larger infestations.