Rust color drips on home...pests? - Ask Extension
Hello,
I am looking to see if anyone can solve this mystery.
I had my exterior treated for box elder bugs. After the treatment the house now has ...
Knowledgebase
Rust color drips on home...pests? #814062
Asked October 12, 2022, 4:28 PM EDT
Hello,
I am looking to see if anyone can solve this mystery.
I had my exterior treated for box elder bugs. After the treatment the house now has rust color “drips” and spots all over, especially in the treated areas. It also seems to go around furniture I have on the deck—there are still marks on the home behind the furniture but less. The pest control company says this is not from their treatment or products.
Could it be box elder excrement or similar from box elder bugs? I just find it odd, it wasn’t there before the treatment, if it’s not from the treatment spray I have no idea what this is.
The paint and the windows are new within a year and as you can see the stainless handle (Photo Rust color 4) looks rusted, it is not rust. I tried to wipe it off and it helped a little but still has spots on it. Perhaps it even damaged the finish?
Any thoughts you have to what this might be are much appreciated.
Thank you
Scott County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi,
Box elder bugs can leave feces stains but the stains are usually gray, yellow or reddish. They may also leave stains when crushed. I can’t be definitive, but this looks like something else.
Have you sprayed anything on the house this summer? If not, you may want to ask what the pest control company used on the bugs.
Perhaps you can wash this off with a non-abrasive cleaner.
FYI, box elder bugs are a nuisance but they’re harmless. The easiest thing to do is hit them with blasts of water to knock them off the house or other surfaces.
Thank you so much. That is all very helpful information!
Take care,
Jill
Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
-------- Original message --------
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Date: 10/12/22 7:35 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: jbranwall <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Rust color drips on home...pests? (#0083992)
You’re welcome.