How To Address Boxelder Bugs

One of the biggest nuisances US homeowners find during fall into early spring is the appearance of Boxelder bugs, also known as beetles. They are found just about anywhere in the United States but typically zero in on areas where there is a female box elder tree present. Although this particular pest can eat a variety of plants - and will - its preferred fare de jour is the female Box Elder seed pod. These bugs think it is quite yummy.

So, How To Prevent These Bugs From Bugging

The obvious and most effective way in order to prevent Boxelder bugs from invading your property is to get rid of the Boxelder tree. However, this may not prove to be the most reasonable solution. Even if you were to get rid of the female Boxelder tree, the adult box elder bugs are winged creatures that can fly several blocks. Therefore that female Boxelder tree around the corner or down the block may be the origin of the flight for bugs fleeing to your property.

These Bugs Are Not Vicious

Fortunately these flying insects are not vicious creatures like a wasp, mosquito or even that annoyingly pesky housefly. They are more than likely categorized as a nuisance due to the fact they produce eyesore situations leaving their drippings behind. This leads to the staining of light-colored surfaces within the home, including window dressings. Furthermore, if you have ever stepped on a boxelder bug, you would remember this because they emit the most distasteful of odors. They do prove to be the arch nemesis for anyone that takes pride in keeping a well-trimmed and cultivated yard.

Bug Begone

If you have sighted a boxelder bug inside your home, you need to immediately discover where their entry point is and seal it up completely. A typical entry point might be a torn screen or cracks around door and window sealing. Also take a look at your attic and basement venting. Make sure to seal these up using material such as weatherstripping, good caulking, expandable foam and fine-mesh screening. You can mix up a solution of water and laundry detergent, place it in a spray bottle and douse the critters killing them. Remove the carcasses by vacuuming them up.

Tree Maintenance
Clean up any dropped seed pods from the yard using a shop vac if possible. If removing the Box Elder tree is not a possibility, hire a professional to spray the tree in preparation for the coming of spring each year.