Remove these insects from your home once and for all.
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Wondering how to get rid of boxelder bugs?
While these bugs aren’t inherently harmful, they can cause a mess.
Photo:Bronwyn8/Getty Images
you’re free to identify these bugs by their elongated black oval bodies with reddish-orange accents.
The bugs are named after boxelder trees, where theyre frequently found.
However, they also feed on other trees like maple, elm, andash trees.
In some cases, all it’s crucial that you do is relocate them.
This can entail trapping them by putting them in a jar orinsect trap.
you could then kill them or bring them far from your home to release them.
Vacuuming is another way to remove boxelder bugs.
To minimize the smell, use a HEPA filter vacuum and empty the bag outdoors.
Add one to two tablespoons of any liquid dish soap to water in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution directly on the boxelder bugs, and their outer protection will dissolve, killing them.
The non-toxic substance is safe for humans and pets.
Apply Neem Oil
Spray affected indoor or outdoor plants with horticulture oils or insecticidal sprays.
For a natural, non-toxic solution, use neem oil.
Then spray the trees and plants where boxelder bugs congregate.
Focus on areas where you see the bugs.
The steady stream of water should encourage the boxelder bugs to disperse to another location.
Use Essential Oil Deterrents
Some essential oils offer a natural repellent to ward off boxelder bugs.
Mint is an especially popular natural deterrent for boxelder bugs.
Mixing a few drops of your preferred essential oil with water in a spray bottle is all it takes.
I spritz it in areas where I suspect these bugs might gather or attempt to sneak in.
Other natural scents that can ward off boxelders include garlic, sage, and lavender.
Mint, clove, sage, garlic, lavender, and eucalyptus all repel boxelder bugs.
The main point is to verify there are no entryways that bugs can crawl through.
Use silicone caulk or spray foam for small gaps around exterior utility pipes and weatherstripping around doors and windows.
Clean the Property
Prune and maintain trees well, which will help reduce feeding options for bugs.
Spraying your plants with natural, organic insecticides can also help.
Clean up any seeds and lawn debris, which can attract more bugs.
In addition, regularlyclean your house.
A cleaning schedule can help you notice any one-off bugs or traces of bugs to further prevent an infestation.
Is Outdoor Removal Necessary?
Boxelder bugs affect outdoor and indoor spaces differently.
They are generally not destructive in outdoor areas, so removal is not always necessary.
They suck out the juice from plants and trees, but healthy plants usually show no significant damage.
Premature defoliation also weakens the affected trees and plants, which may compromise their overall health and vitality.
In this case, contact a tree specialist for proper pest removal.
Once inside, boxelder bugs are more of a nuisance than a danger.
They do not cause structural damage and do not get into food.
Boxelder bugs don’t have a very long lifespan when they’re inside.
They go from eggs to nymphs (they are bright red at this stage) to adults.
They tend to become more active in the warmer months, as they cannot survive the colder climates.
Boxelder bugs are not usually harmful to pets.
Illinois Department of Public Health.
