What is Calgary Pest Guard?

Calgary Pest Guard manages 5 data types including appointment availabilities.

How much does pest control cost in Calgary?

Calgary Pest Guard offers competitive pricing: rodent control from $300, cockroach extermination from $500, and bed bug treatment from $500. Prices vary based on property size and infestation severity. We provide quotes for all pest control services in Calgary.

How quickly do you respond to pest control calls in Calgary?

Calgary Pest Guard responds fast to pest control calls throughout Calgary and surrounding areas. We're available Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 8 PM. Call +1 825 760 5364 and we'll book you in as quickly as possible.

Are your pest control treatments safe for pets and children?

Absolutely. We use industry-approved, safe pest control methods that are effective yet safe for your family and pets. All our technicians are licensed and certified. We provide detailed safety instructions and offer eco-friendly treatment options upon request.

What areas in Calgary do you serve?

Calgary Pest Guard serves all of Calgary and surrounding communities including Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere, Okotoks, Strathmore, and High River. We provide residential and commercial pest control services throughout Southern Alberta.

How long does a pest control treatment take?

Most pest control treatments take 20-60 minutes depending on property size and pest type. Cockroach treatments typically take 30-45 minutes, bed bug treatments 45-60 minutes, and rodent control 20-40 minutes. We provide accurate time estimates during your service appointment.

Do you guarantee your pest control services?

Yes! Calgary Pest Guard offers 100% satisfaction guarantee on all pest control services. If you're not completely satisfied with our treatment, we'll re-treat at no additional cost or provide a full refund. Your satisfaction is our priority.

Elder Bug Control Calgary

Expert identification and elimination of elder bugs invading Calgary homes. We identify the species and apply targeted treatment. Guaranteed results.

What Are Elder Bugs?

"Elder bugs" is the term many Calgary residents use when searching for help with dark-colored, red-marked insects that invade their homes each fall. In most cases, these are boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) — the insect that feeds on Manitoba maple trees and is also called the "maple bug" locally. The name likely comes from shortening "boxelder bug" to "elder bug."

However, Calgary is also home to the elm seed bug (Arocatus melanocephalus), an invasive species first detected in the city in 2020 that behaves similarly — feeding on tree seeds in summer and invading homes in fall. Both species require professional treatment to eliminate. Calgary Pest Guard identifies the specific species during inspection and applies the appropriate targeted treatment.

Not sure which bug you have? We identify the species for free during your inspection.

General Identification Features

Size:8-14mm (1/3 to 1/2 inch) long

Color:Dark brown to black with red or orange markings on the back

Wings:Overlapping wings with colored veins forming patterns

Shape:Elongated, somewhat flattened shield-shaped body

Antennae:Long, segmented, dark antennae

Legs:Six legs, dark colored

Insects Commonly Called "Elder Bugs" in Calgary

Three species are most often identified during Calgary inspections

Boxelder Bug (Boisea trivittata)

The most common 'elder bug' in Calgary. Black with red-orange markings. Feeds on Manitoba maple (boxelder) trees. Also called 'maple bugs' locally. Invades homes each fall.

Elm Seed Bug (Arocatus melanocephalus)

Similar appearance and behavior. Reddish-brown with black markings. Feeds on elm tree seeds. Invasive in Calgary since 2020. Also a fall home invader.

Western Conifer Seed Bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis)

Larger (15-20mm), brownish with leaf-like expansions on hind legs. Feeds on conifer seeds. Occasionally enters Calgary homes in fall.

Our Elder Bug Treatment Process

Species-specific treatment for effective, lasting results

Species Identification

We identify which 'elder bug' species is invading your home — boxelder bug, elm seed bug, or another — to apply the most effective treatment.

Exterior Perimeter Treatment

Residual insecticide applied to exterior walls, eaves, windows, and foundation where bugs cluster and attempt to enter.

Entry Point Sealing

We locate and seal gaps, cracks, and openings around windows, doors, vents, and siding to prevent bugs from entering your home.

Interior Treatment

If bugs have already entered, we treat wall voids, attics, and window frames to eliminate the hidden indoor population.

The Problem with DIY Elder Bug Control

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Misidentification

Without knowing the species, you can't choose the right treatment. Different bugs need different approaches.

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Surface-Only Treatment

Store sprays only kill visible bugs. The hidden population in wall voids survives and re-emerges.

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No Exclusion

Without sealing entry points, new bugs continue entering throughout the entire fall season.

Professional Treatment Advantages

Expert Identification

We identify the exact species and tailor treatment for maximum effectiveness.

Deep-Reach Treatment

Professional products penetrate wall voids and attics where bugs hide.

Complete Exclusion

We find and seal every entry point to prevent future invasions.

100% Guarantee

If the bugs return, we re-treat at no additional cost. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Elder Bugs in Calgary — Identification and Control Guide

If you're searching for "elder bug control" in Calgary, you're likely dealing with one of several similar-looking insects that invade homes each fall. The term "elder bug" is most commonly used to refer to boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) — the black and red-orange marked insects that feed on Manitoba maple trees throughout Calgary. The name likely originated as a shortened form of "boxelder bug." In Calgary, these insects are also widely known as "maple bugs" because of their association with Manitoba maple trees, which are the city's most abundant maple species.

In addition to boxelder bugs, Calgary has seen the arrival of the elm seed bug (Arocatus melanocephalus), an invasive species from Europe that was first detected in the city around 2020. Elm seed bugs share many behavioral traits with boxelder bugs: they feed on tree seeds (elm seeds rather than maple seeds), they cluster on sunny south-facing walls in fall, and they seek warm indoor shelter as temperatures drop. Both species can invade homes in large numbers, and both can stain surfaces with their droppings and defensive secretions. A third species, the western conifer seed bug, is occasionally found in Calgary homes as well, though it's less common.

The key to effective elder bug control in Calgary is proper species identification followed by a comprehensive treatment approach. Calgary Pest Guard begins every service with a thorough inspection to identify which insect is invading your home. We then apply a professional-grade exterior perimeter treatment to the walls, eaves, windows, and foundation where bugs cluster and attempt to enter. This residual barrier kills bugs on contact for weeks, covering the entire fall invasion period. We also identify and seal entry points — gaps around windows, doors, vents, and siding — to prevent surviving bugs from entering your home. If bugs have already made it inside, our interior treatment targets wall voids, attics, and window frames where they hide. Every treatment is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee: if the bugs return, we re-treat at no additional cost. For Calgary homeowners dealing with annual fall invasions, a professional treatment in late August or early September provides the most effective, long-lasting protection.

Elder Bug Control Calgary — Frequently Asked Questions

What are elder bugs and are they in Calgary?

Elder bugs is a general term that Calgary residents use to describe several similar-looking insects that invade homes in fall. The most common 'elder bug' in Calgary is the boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata), also called the maple bug locally. Another species, the elm seed bug (Arocatus melanocephalus), has also become established in Calgary since 2020. Both are dark-colored bugs with red or orange markings that feed on tree seeds and seek warm indoor shelter each fall. Calgary Pest Guard identifies the specific species and applies targeted treatment.

Are elder bugs the same as boxelder bugs?

In most Calgary cases, yes. When people search for 'elder bug control' in Calgary, they're almost always dealing with boxelder bugs — the insect that feeds on Manitoba maple trees and invades homes each September. The name 'elder bug' likely comes from shortening 'boxelder bug.' However, elm seed bugs are another similar species that has recently appeared in Calgary. Both require similar treatment: exterior perimeter application, entry point sealing, and interior treatment if they've already entered. We identify the exact species during inspection.

How much does elder bug treatment cost in Calgary?

Elder bug (boxelder bug or elm seed bug) control in Calgary starts at $300-$450 depending on property size and whether interior treatment is needed. The treatment includes species identification, exterior perimeter application, entry point sealing recommendations, and interior treatment if bugs have already entered. Call (825) 760-5364 for a quote — we'll identify the species and recommend the most effective approach.

How do I know if I have elder bugs or elm seed bugs?

Boxelder bugs (the most common 'elder bug') are black with distinctive red-orange markings along the body edges and wing veins. They're typically 10-14mm long. Elm seed bugs are slightly smaller (6-7mm), reddish-brown with black markings, and have a more elongated body. Both cluster on sunny walls in fall and enter homes through gaps. During our inspection, we identify which species is present and tailor the treatment accordingly — the treatment approach is similar for both.

When should I treat for elder bugs in Calgary?

The best treatment time is late August through mid-September, before the bugs begin moving indoors. An exterior perimeter treatment during this window creates a barrier that kills bugs before they enter your home. If you miss this window and bugs are already inside, treatment can still be done — we target both exterior staging areas and interior harborage sites. Because elder bugs return every fall, many Calgary homeowners schedule an annual late-summer treatment for ongoing protection.

Are elder bugs harmful or dangerous?

Elder bugs (whether boxelder bugs or elm seed bugs) are not dangerous to humans or pets. They don't bite, sting, or transmit diseases. However, they can stain surfaces with droppings and release a pungent liquid when disturbed that discolors fabrics, walls, and flooring. In large numbers, they're a significant quality-of-life nuisance. If you're seeing these bugs inside your Calgary home each fall, professional treatment eliminates the problem and prevents future invasions.