Are Box Elder Bugs harmful?

Boxelder bugs are generally considered to be a nuisance bug rather than a harmful bug. But, that doesn’t mean you want them in your home or garden.

These bugs look like small beetle with red and black backs. They are commonly found near female box elder trees, although they have been known to feed on male box elder trees, maple, ash, and even some fruit trees. One of the clues that they are doing this is the deformity of the fruit, they can even discolor the leaves.

If you have a lot of them in your garden you’ll want to contact the exterminators and have the issue dealt with properly.

What Harm Do They Do?

The good news is that box elder bugs are not known to bite, they are also disease-free and will not sting you. In fact, they are not likely to damage you or your plants.

However, …

Are all paints equally harmful?

Over the last years, manufacturers started to realize the dangers VOCs hide, so the new low-VOC and zero-VOC paints appeared in the assortment of world-famous brands, including Sherwin Williams paint, which Chameleon repairmen use in sash window restoration.

Low VOC paints are less toxic and harmful, have no strong odor and are equally good in utilizing as the ordinary ones. Still, whether you choose VOC-containing or “green” paints, you still have to follow the precautionary measures – absolutely safe paints don’t exist.