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EcoGuard Pest Management
Boxelder bug with distinctive red and black markings
By Gary Anderson||7 min read

How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs

Effective methods to eliminate boxelder bugs inside and outside your home.

Boxelder bugs do not present too much of a problem, but they are still considered a nuisance pest that can cause light damage to trees, gardens, orchards, and vineyards. It does not help that they aggregate in large numbers, which makes their presence feel much more intimidating than they are.

They are active during spring through fall but start preparing to hibernate during winter. When this stage starts, boxelder bugs begin looking for somewhere warm and cozy to lay dormant for several months. Unfortunately, homes and other structures seem to be the perfect place for these bugs to hibernate.

Boxelder Bug Quick Facts

Size: About 1/2 inch long
Color: Red and black beetle-like body
Active Season: Spring through fall
Behavior: Aggregate in large numbers, hibernate in winter

What Are Boxelder Bugs?

Boxelder bugs are considered a neutral pest because the damage they cause typically is not bad enough to warrant too much concern, but they are also not beneficial insects. They are about a half inch long and identified by their red and black beetle-like bodies.

Why They Are Named "Boxelder"

They get their name from the boxelder maple trees they feed on. Having boxelder trees near your home is one of the leading contributors to having boxelder bugs nearby.

Similar to Stink Bugs

Boxelder bugs release a strong odor to deter predators. When they aggregate in large numbers, this smell can be unpleasant, which is why removal is important.

Effective Ways to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs Inside Your Home

Vacuum

It may be tempting to squash boxelder bugs, but like stink bugs, they release a chemical that smells awful when crushed. Instead, collect them using a vacuum cleaner. Deposit them in a container and treat with insecticidal soap. Clean down any infested area to prevent more bugs from collecting.

Spray with Dish Soap and Water Mix

Add liquid dish soap and water to a spray bottle. This solution breaks down the bug's exoskeleton, causing them to desiccate and die. Spray directly on bugs wherever found. The soap mixture also prevents boxelder bugs from returning to treated areas.

Dust with Diatomaceous Earth or Borax

Diatomaceous earth is fossilized microalgae with spiny ridges that cut into exoskeletons, causing bugs to dry out and die. Borax/boric acid works similarly but can also be consumed, disrupting digestive processes and damaging the nervous system. Both can treat hard-to-reach places like wall voids.

Trap The Boxelder Bugs

Use glue traps and sticky pads to keep populations under control. Monitor regularly and discard after collecting enough bugs. Note: Boxelder bugs attract others to wherever they congregate, so traps covered in bugs might attract new ones if not replaced.

Use Residual Pesticides

Treat entire infested areas with residual pesticide. These kill on contact and leave residue to infect any new bugs that arrive. Note: Boxelder bugs may develop resistance to some pesticides, so this method may need to be paired with other treatments.

Large Boxelder Bug Infestation?

Our professionals can quickly eliminate boxelder bugs and prevent them from returning to your home.

Call (866) 326-2847

How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs Outside Your Home

The best way to get rid of boxelder bugs is to eliminate them while they are still outside. This is their natural habitat during warmer months, so exterminating them outside will prevent them from moving indoors when temperatures drop.

Spray with Garden Hose

When large groups are found, spray them down with a hose. The experience of getting knocked down and dispersed may deter them from returning.

Disperse with Hot Water

Boxelder bugs have a thermal threshold. Water heated to a certain temperature is effective, but be careful as water too hot can be dangerous for skin contact or plant life.

Horticultural Oils

Neem oil and cottonseed oils can deter boxelder bugs. Dilute with water and emulsifier, then apply liberally to infested areas before infestation takes hold.

Pyrethrin Sprays

Create a barrier around your home's foundation including cracks, crevices, and access points. This broad-spectrum insecticide kills bugs that cross it.

How to Prevent Boxelder Bugs

Getting rid of boxelder bugs is not extremely difficult, but preventing them altogether is a much easier option if you have boxelder trees close by.

Seal Access Points

The most critical aspect of prevention is exclusion:

Seal cracks and crevices in the foundation

Cap vents and close any openings

Install door sweeps

Repair tears in window and door screens

Get Rid of Female Boxelder Trees

This may not be the easiest solution, but boxelder bugs cannot survive long without boxelder trees. While adult bugs can feed on other sources, nymphs need to feed on boxelder seed pods. If cutting down the tree is not an option, keeping it trimmed and raking up seed pods can still significantly reduce infestations.

Natural Ways to Deter Boxelder Bugs

Natural methods use plant deterrents to help reduce the likelihood of boxelder bug infestations:

Mums

These flowers produce a scent that is offensive to boxelder bugs. Plant around the foundation and easy access points.

Citrus

Citrus plants, fruits, and oils produce a scent that deters several bugs including boxelder bugs. Place around your home or use citrus oils.

Herbs

Sage, cloves, and lavender are common bug deterrents. Plant around the foundation or start a little herb garden for natural insect repellent benefits.

Contact EcoGuard if You Are Dealing with a Boxelder Bug Infestation

If you are dealing with boxelder bugs, it is important not to panic. These bugs are mostly harmless, but their presence can still be problematic due to the smell they introduce in large numbers. When you are facing a large infestation, it may be time to enlist the help of qualified and experienced professionals. EcoGuard Pest Management has a team of qualified boxelder bug exterminators who have years of experience treating these bugs.

Call (866) 326-2847Get Free Quote

Killing Boxelder Bug FAQs

How do you get rid of a boxelder infestation?

The best way to get rid of a boxelder bug infestation is to first determine where the infestation is. If the infestation is inside, the boxelder bugs can be collected using a vacuum before they are discarded. Be sure to discard the bugs in a way where they cannot come back. If the boxelder bugs are outside, they can be treated with horticultural oils or soapy water.

What keeps boxelder bugs away?

Boxelder bugs can be deterred using natural scents that they find offensive like citrus, sage, lavender, mums, or cloves. Exclusion strategies can also be used to keep boxelder bugs out of a home.

What attracts boxelder bugs?

Boxelder bugs rely on boxelder trees to survive. These trees are the boxelder bugs favorite source of food as well as where they procreate and lay eggs. Without boxelder trees, boxelder bugs will have a difficult time surviving.

How to kill boxelder bugs?

Boxelder bugs can be killed using pyrethrin based pesticides, diatomaceous earth, borax, boric acid, soap and water, horticultural oils, or heated water. Each of these treatment options are effective individually but can be used together to increase their effectiveness.

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