Effective Ways to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs Permanently

Boxelder bugs are a nuisance pest that can invade your home, causing a great deal of annoyance and discomfort. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also create an unpleasant smell and cause damage to your property. If you’re dealing with a boxelder bug infestation, don’t worry – there are many effective home remedies that can help you get rid of them permanently. In this article, we’ll be sharing 11 such remedies that are easy to implement and offer long-term solutions to your boxelder bug problems.

What Is a Boxelder Bug?

Boxelder bugs are small, flat black and red insects that are commonly found in North America. They feed on the sap of boxelder trees, as well as maple and ash trees, and can often be found near these types of foliage. As the weather begins to cool, boxelder bugs will seek out shelter in homes, buildings, and other structures to overwinter.

Why Should You Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs?

• They can invade your home in large numbers, which can be overwhelming and hard to manage.
• They emit a foul odor when threatened or crushed.
• They can cause staining and damage to your property, particularly if they are crushed on surfaces.
• They can trigger allergies and respiratory issues in some people.
• They can attract other pests such as spiders and rodents into your home.

11 Effective Home Remedies to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs

1. Vacuum Them Up

One of the easiest ways to get rid of boxelder bugs is to vacuum them up. Use a vacuum with a good suction power and a long hose to reach the bugs that are high up on walls and ceilings. Once you’ve sucked up the bugs, immediately remove the vacuum bag and dispose of it in a sealed plastic bag. This will prevent them from re-entering your home.

2. Seal All Cracks and Crevices

Boxelder bugs can enter your home through even the smallest cracks and crevices in your walls, windows, and doors. To prevent them from entering your house, seal all cracks and crevices with caulk or weather stripping. This will also help to keep your home more energy-efficient.

3. Remove Attractive Food Sources

Boxelder bugs are attracted to food sources such as seeds, fruits, and berries that may be found in your garden or yard. To keep them away from your home, clear up any fruits or berries that have fallen on the ground and remove any overripe vegetables or fruits from your garden.

4. Spray Them with Dish Soap Solution

Mix 1 part dish soap with 5 parts water, then pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the bugs directly with this solution to kill them. The dish soap will dissolve the protective coating on the bugs’ bodies, causing them to dehydrate and die.

5. Make Sticky Traps

You can make your own sticky traps to catch boxelder bugs. Coat a piece of cardboard or a paper plate with a sticky substance such as petroleum jelly, then place it near areas where you have seen boxelder bugs. The bugs will get stuck to the trap, making it easy to remove them.

6. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree, and lavender are known to repel boxelder bugs. Mix a few drops of your preferred essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it around doors, windows, and other entry points to your home. This will help to keep boxelder bugs out of your house.

7. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Boxelder bugs are attracted to boxelder, maple, and ash trees. If you have these types of trees or shrubs in your yard, trim them back to prevent the bugs from feeding on them.

8. Use Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder that consists of the fossilized remains of small aquatic organisms. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home and in areas where boxelder bugs are likely to reside. The powder will stick to the bugs’ bodies, causing them to dehydrate and die.

9. Use a Wet Towel

If you have a few boxelder bugs in your home, you can use a wet towel to catch them. Dampen a towel and use it to slowly move over the bugs, which will stick to the wet surface of the towel. Once you’ve gathered the bugs, simply dispose of the towel in a sealed plastic bag.

10. Use Orange Oil

Orange oil is another effective natural remedy for getting rid of boxelder bugs. Mix a few drops of orange oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it around entry points to your home. This will help to repel the bugs and prevent them from entering your house.

11. Use Insecticides

If all else fails, you can use insecticides to get rid of boxelder bugs. Look for insecticides that are specifically designed for boxelder bugs and follow the instructions carefully. Be sure to use insecticides in a well-ventilated area and keep children and pets away from the treated area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are Boxelder Bugs Dangerous?

   No, boxelder bugs are not dangerous to humans. However, they can emit a foul odor if threatened or crushed, and can be a nuisance if they enter your home in large numbers.

2. Why Do Boxelder Bugs Invade Houses?

   Boxelder bugs invade houses to seek shelter and warmth during the fall and winter months.

3. Do Boxelder Bugs Bite?

   No, boxelder bugs do not bite humans. However, they have been known to feed on fruits and vegetables, which can cause damage to crops.

4. Can Boxelder Bugs Damage Your Home?

   Boxelder bugs can cause staining and damage to your home, particularly if they are crushed on surfaces.

5. How Can You Prevent Boxelder Bugs From Entering Your Home?

   To prevent boxelder bugs from entering your home, seal all cracks and crevices with caulk or weather stripping, remove any attractive food sources, and trim back any foliage near your home that may attract the bugs.

Kesimpulan

Boxelder bugs can be a nuisance for homeowners, but there are many effective home remedies that can help you get rid of them permanently. From vacuuming them up to using natural deterrents such as essential oils and orange oil, there are many ways to keep these pests at bay. Keep your home free of boxelder bugs by using the remedies we’ve outlined above.

Pros and Cons of Boxelder Bug Remedies

Remedy	Pros	Cons
Vacuuming Them Up	Quick and easy	Can be difficult to reach into high places
Sealing All Cracks and Crevices	Prevents bugs from entering your home	Can be time-consuming
Removing Attractive Food Sources	Controls bug populations in your yard	May not be effective if bugs are already in your home
Spray Them with Dish Soap Solution	Easy to make and use	May not kill all bugs in one treatment
Making Sticky Traps	Easy to make and use	May only be effective for small numbers of bugs
Using Essential Oils	Natural and safe for homes with pets and children	May not be effective for all types of bugs
Trimming Trees and Shrubs	Prevents bugs from feeding on foliage near your home	May not be effective if bugs have already entered your home
Using Diatomaceous Earth	Effective on many types of insects	Can be messy
Using a Wet Towel	Easy to use and dispose of	May only be effective for small numbers of bugs
Using Orange Oil	Natural and safe for homes with pets and children	May not be effective for all types of bugs
Using Insecticides	Effective for large numbers of bugs	Can be harmful to humans and pets