Mind you this infestation problem never occurred in western MD until about 20 years ago.
As for your boxelders, we have some, but the weirdest thing was years ago when we went looking for a new house. ONE house, only one, was INFESTED with them - all around outside of the front door. I have never seen that anywhere else, since, either.
Basically I like ladybugs, but when you go to my uncle’s and our neighboring 2nd house, you’ll get the willies. It’s bizarre.
I hear what your saying about ladybugs. A few are fine...even cute, but when there are infestations, that's altogether different.
The box elder bugs only come where there are box elder TREES and if you don’t control them, the south side of your house will be red with them in spring. Horrid ugly prehistoric looking bugs. Had lots in MT.
Never buy a house with a box elder tree in the yard, or in the neighbors’ yards.