![]() ![]() Its lumber is softer, weaker, and lighter than almost all other species of maple, and Box Elder’s overall strength, as well as it’s strength-to-weight ratio are poor. Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.Ĭommon Uses: Turned objects, small ornamental objects, wood pulp, charcoal, boxes, and crates.Ĭomments: Sometimes called “Ash-leaved Maple” because of its non-typical leaves, ( see below), Box Elder is technically considered a maple tree ( Acer genus). Prices should be moderate given box elder’s commonness, though figured pieces and/or burls are likely to be more expensive. Dyed/stabilized burl blocks for use in turning projects are also offered. Pricing/Availability: Seldom used or available in lumber form, box elder is occasionally harvested in small quantities by hobbyists or specialty sawmills-with lumber exhibiting reddish pink heartwood streaks being the most desirable. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information. Odor:Box Elder has a distinct and unpleasant scent when wet, which mostly subsides once dry.Īllergies/Toxicity: Box elder, along with other maples in the Acer genus have been reported to cause skin irritation, runny nose, and asthma-like respiratory effects. Color: Black wing covers, upper body, legs, and antennae, with three bright red or orange striped markings running along the head, body, and wing tips in a. Workability: Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Heartwood is subject to heart rot and insect attack. Rot Resistance:Poor durability, rated as non-durable to perishable. The growth rings are usually faint and non-distinct. Grain/Texture:Grain is straight, with a fine even texture. The red stain is produced by the tree’s natural defenses when wounded-it is thought that this compound is meant to inhibit the growth of fungus (Fusarium solani) that commonly colonizes the tree. Much of the reddish coloring (sometimes called “flame” by retailers) becomes a more subdued pink or brown/gray upon drying. The heartwood is a grayish/yellowish brown, frequently with red or pink streaks. A pest control professional can apply a residual insecticide to exterior walls in the fall where the bugs are congregating – this will tend to discourage them from landing.Color/Appearance: Sapwood is a pale white, sometimes with a yellow/green hue similar to yellow poplar. Caulking windows and doors, and repairing window and door screens will prevent bugs from entering a home. Power spray equipment is usually required and a professional should be hired to do the job safely. Chemical control can best be obtained by spraying the nymphs on the host trees before the adults have had a chance to migrate. They are propagated by cuttings from staminate trees. If this species is to be planted as an ornamental or shade tree, male trees should be purchased from the nursery. The migration of the adults begins at this time.Īn obvious way to avoid infestations by this pest in residential properties is to get rid of near-by female box elder trees. Activity of nearly fully grown nymphs is noticed in August and September when they gather in large numbers on the trunks of box elder trees. In the summer, box elder bugs normally feed on the leaves, flowers, and seed pods of the box elder tree, silver or red maple. These nymphs develop into adults during the summer, then mate and lay eggs which hatch into the nymphs of the second generation. The nymphs are small and show more red than adults. The adult bugs lay eggs on the host trees in the spring and the nymphs emerge in a few days. The change from nymph to adult is a gradual one. They resemble adults, but do not have fully developed wings and are not able to reproduce. The population of bugs may number into the thousands. Box elder bugs are sometimes confused with another insect called milkweed bug.Įggs are a rusty red colour and are not often seen as they are deposited on box elder trees. The wings lie flat on the back when at rest. It is black with three red lines on the thorax, a red line along each side, and a red line on each wing. This bug is about half an inch long and one-third as wide. They can’t bite, they don’t eat anything on the inside of your house, including house plants, and they won’t harm you, your family or your pets. They cause no structural damage whatsoever, but they can “spot” interior furnishings with their droppings. They will not breed indoors, so there is no danger of starting an “infestation”. When they gain entry to buildings through cracks or other openings they remain in wall cavities and will occasionally emerge inside the home in the spring. Box Elder Bug a Nuisance, but Not Harmfulīox elder bugs cause concern in the autumn when they gather in considerable numbers on the warm outside walls of homes and sometimes find their way into houses looking for a suitable place to over winter. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |