Get Ready as Box Elder Bugs Emerge from Hibernation

Apr 18
07:49

2012

Bob B. Hamilton

Bob B. Hamilton

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In the wintertime, box elder bugs go into hibernation and do not cause problems for homeowners. Things will start to change as spring gets closer and closer. They will start emerging from hibernation and showing up all over your home. Now is the time to start getting ready for this potential problem.

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In the wintertime,Get Ready as Box Elder Bugs Emerge from Hibernation Articles box elder bugs go into hibernation and do not cause problems for homeowners.  Things will start to change as spring gets closer and closer.  They will start emerging from hibernation and showing up all over your home.  Now is the time to start getting ready for this potential problem.

Box elder bugs typically hide in restricted areas inside your home to hide from the cold weather.  Therefore, using an insecticide may not be an option since you likely will not be able to reach the areas they are hiding in.  Standard foggers will also not be able to get the job done for this reason.

If you notice just a few bugs around your home, you may not need to do anything.  After all, these insects are more of a nuisance rather than serious problem.  The most harm they can do is cause damage to your landscaping plants if you allow their numbers to grow too high.

If you do decide to act when you spot box elder bugs crawling around, make sure you do not try to use a broom to sweep them away or worse stomp them beneath your feet.  You would then have a stain to clean up.  The easiest way to dispose of them is to suck them up using your vacuum cleaner.  The more you vacuum your home, the fewer bugs you will have around.  So, try to vacuum as much as possible.

Being small insects, box elder bugs are capable of entering your home through small cracks and crevices.  If you want to keep them out you will need to seal the entry points they used.  Check the vents in areas such as the attic and basement to ensure they are still in good shape.

Although box elder bugs feed on various types of plants, they are really at home in a female box elder tree.  Once they emerge from hibernation, they will likely end up in one of these trees for feeding and reproduction purposes.  If you happen to have one in your yard, you would have much more of a problem with these bugs.  You may have to resort to having it cut down.

There are certain substances you can use to keep box elder bugs from reentering your home too.  Boric acid power is very effective if you place it on various entry points.  Nontoxic diatomaceous earth will work equally as well.