Box Elder Bugs can be annoying during both spring and fall. As the warm weather approaches and trees bloom, these pests create havoc. Box elder bugs reappear in the fall, and in bulk. Though these bugs are not dangerous, they can be very irritating. Their infestation raises concern about how to control their invasion. This blog discusses the spots where you can find them and various hacks to control them.
What Are Box Elder Bugs?
Box Elder Bugs, also known as box bugs or maple bugs, are a species of true bug that includes more than 80,000 species. These little creatures are native to Eastern North America. They mostly live on boxelder, maple, and ash trees. These small insects are dark brown or black, with reddish-brown wings. Boxelder bugs mostly come out in spring and fall. They have a lifespan of just about a week.
Do Boxelder Bugs Harm Humans?
Usually, boxelder bugs do not pose any threat to humans and animals. They do not bite or transmit diseases, but can be annoying once they enter your home. They are not known to cause any harm to you and your pets.
Spots Where You Must Inspect for Boxelder Bugs
Indoors
As boxelder bugs enter your home during the fall, they are most commonly spotted in cracks and crevices in walls, wall voids, attics, doors, garages, under windows, and around foundations. They also build their nest inside the exhaust fan in your kitchen and bathroom, skylights, soffit vents, and roofs.
Outdoors
Inspect for boxelder bugs around female boxelder trees, paying close attention to the seed pods. Examine other trees, such as maple or ash, for adult bugs or egg clusters, and check whether trees require pruning. Inspect the cracks and crevices on the exterior of your home because the insects get inside the house through cracks. Also, check around wood piles, organic wastes, or vegetation, as the bugs tend to hide in these places to survive in winter.
How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs?
Non-Chemical Methods
Using a Vacuum Cleaner and Other Physical Methods
If you spot a small number of Boxelder Bugs indoors, vacuuming can help to get rid of them. Vacuuming helps to collect both adults and nymphs without crushing them. Try not to crush boxelder bugs, as they emit a foul smell.
Soapy Water and Dish Soap Spray
Make a soapy water solution by mixing a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and spray it directly on clusters of Boxelder Bugs. This solution coats the bugs and kills them.
Seal Cracks and Holes
Seal and close all exterior holes and cracks, especially those on the south and west walls that receive more sunlight in late summer and fall.
Eliminate Box Elder Trees
If you have a tree that produces small, helicopter-shaped seeds, it may be a welcome host to boxelder bugs. Removing the tree will help to reduce the number of bugs in your house. If you don't want to remove the tree, make sure to trim it regularly and clean the fallen seeds by mowing or raking.
Chemical Method
Use Insecticides
Applying insecticides along baseboards and window seals helps in eliminating Boxelder Bugs. However, using just an insecticide will not stop the bugs from entering your home. The boxelder bugs will die only if they come in contact with the insecticide.
Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Applying diatomaceous earth around entry points, cracks, and holes can also help you to get rid of boxelder bugs.
When to Call a Professional?
If you've tried all the DIY methods to get rid of Boxelder Bugs and they're still bothering you, calling a professional pest control company can be the best option. Experts use techniques to inspect and kill boxelder bugs, even if they are hidden somewhere in your home.
Long-term Approach to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs
- Clean leaves and debris around the home and under the trees that attract boxelder bugs.
- Use silicone caulk to seal entry points and tiny gaps. Install weatherstripping on the doors and repair torn screens on soffits and vents.
- Plant a seedless boxelder cultivar instead of a female one, as the latter attracts bugs.
Conclusion
You may find boxelder bugs annoying, especially during the fall and spring. However, they do not pose any threat to humans and pets. By using proper methods such as sealing entry points and applying chemical and non-chemical treatments, you can effectively control their infestations. Consider long-term methods for lasting relief from boxelder bugs.
