Boxelder bugs are a common problem in Utah. If you find these little critters around your yard and even infiltrating into your home, there are many ways to get rid of them.
Be wary of squashing them. When a boxelder bug is crushed, it releases a scent that causes other boxelder bugs to congregate. These bugs tend to travel in packs and enter into houses through small cracks, windowsills, attic vents, and door crevasses.
Getting Rid of Boxelder Bugs Outside Your House
Killing boxelder bugs outside your house will help you prevent them from infiltrating your home. If you see small swarms of boxelder bugs on your property, try spraying them down. Drowning some boxelder’s with a high powered spray from a garden hose can do wonders. If you’ve attempted to drowning them and are still finding them popping up, there are some other tactics to try.
Try using diatomaceous earth. This is an organic powder that’s made of fossilized remains of microalgae. Diatomaceous earth will dehydrate and kill boxelder bugs within hours. It is lethal to boxelder bugs but non-toxic to people and pets. Spread this powder around the perimeter of the house. Place it along windowsills, doorways, and any points of entry.
You can also kill boxelder bugs with a residual insecticide. Using a pyrethrin-based residual insecticide will kill boxelder bugs, but it can also be toxic to people, pets, and your lawn. If you go this route, use safety goggles and gloves to spread the insecticide around the perimeter of your house, focusing on siding, windows, and doors. Avoid contact with your lawn and plants. Keep children away from the treated areas.
It is also helpful to get rid of the source of the box elders—seed-bearing boxelder trees. Female boxelder trees are a feeding ground for boxelder bugs. Remove these trees and replace them with non-seed bearing male trees or another type of tree to get rids of the source of box elders permanently.
Getting Rid of Boxelder Bugs Inside Your House
If you’ve found boxelder bugs clawing in your home, get rid of them with a few simple steps. The most accessible course of action is to vacuum them up. As we mentioned, squashing them isn’t a good idea because of the scent they let off that attracts other bugs. Vacuum up these bugs in your wall crevices, windowsills, doorways, and anywhere else you find them. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediate to avoid the lingering scent.
If vacuuming isn’t doing the trick, try an insect trap. Placing these traps anywhere they may be infiltrating you home will prove to be effective. Place traps in windowsills, near vents, and in entryways. Dispose of the traps immediately to avoid odors.
You can also rid your home of these pesky bugs with a homemade remedy. Mix a few tablespoons of dish soap with water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on any bugs you see. This will kill them—be sure to dispose of them immediately.
If you are having a hard time getting rid of these pesky pests on your own call our experts at Summit Lawn and Pest Control today!
