Andre CampbellThough they do not cause much damage to plants, boxelder bugs can quickly become a nuisance for homeowners [1].
They may enter homes and other buildings in large numbers. Their droppings can also stain curtains, walls, furniture, and other light-colored surfaces.
Identification
Adult boxelder bugs, also called maple bugs, are about 1/2 inch long. They are black with narrow orange or red lines behind the head and along the wings [2].
Young boxelder bugs are bright red. They become darker as they grow.
These insects are often found around female boxelder trees. They feed on the leaves, flowers, and seeds of these trees. The bugs may also feed on male boxelder trees and some maple and ash trees.
Boxelder bugs are active from spring through fall. In late summer and fall, they may gather on warm, sunny walls. They then look for protected places to spend the winter.
These bugs do not sting or spread diseases. They rarely harm healthy trees. They also do not reproduce inside homes. However, large groups can become a serious nuisance.
How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs Naturally
The best way to manage boxelder bugs is to keep them from entering your home. You can also remove the bugs and their food sources from around your property.
1. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Boxelder bugs can squeeze through tiny openings around your home.
Check for cracks around doors, windows, pipes, vents, siding, and the foundation. Seal these openings with caulk, weatherstripping, fine mesh, or another suitable material.
It is best to do this before the bugs begin moving indoors in the fall. If you believe many bugs are already hiding inside a wall, ask a pest-control professional for advice.
2. Repair Screens
Check the screens on windows, doors, attic vents, and foundation vents. Repair small holes or replace badly damaged screens.
Make sure the screens fit tightly around the edges. Fine mesh can help block boxelder bugs while still allowing airflow.
3. Vacuum Them Up
Vacuuming is one of the easiest ways to remove boxelder bugs from inside your home.
Use a vacuum cleaner to collect bugs from floors, windows, and walls. Avoid crushing them because they may produce a bad smell and leave stains.
Empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed trash bag. If you have many bugs, consider using a shop vacuum that’s easy to clean.
Do not spray pesticides inside your home or into wall spaces. Dead insects left inside walls may attract carpet beetles and other pests.
4. Use Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap may reduce boxelder bug numbers when sprayed directly on them. It does not provide lasting control, so you may need to repeat the treatment.
Choose a product whose label allows its use against boxelder bugs and in the area you want to treat. Mix and apply it according to the directions.
You can spray the bugs while they are gathered on outdoor tree trunks or other surfaces allowed on the label. Do not assume that a product labeled for plants can also be sprayed on siding or painted walls.
Avoid making insect sprays with dish detergent. Dish detergents are not made for pest control and may burn plant leaves.
5. Spray Them With a Garden Hose
Use a strong stream of water to knock groups of boxelder bugs from tree trunks, walls, and other outdoor surfaces.
This method may drown some bugs, but others may return. Repeat it when large groups gather again.
Avoid using very high pressure on delicate plants, windows, or siding.
6. Sweep Them Up
Use a broom to sweep groups of boxelder bugs from patios, walkways, and other hard surfaces.
You can sweep them into a container of soapy water. This will kill the bugs and make disposal easier.
Do not crush them because they may leave stains and produce an unpleasant smell.
7. Remove Fallen Seeds
Female boxelder trees produce winged seeds that are an important food source for these bugs [3].
Rake up fallen seeds and seed pods from beneath and around the trees. You can also use a shop vacuum to collect seeds from grass, patios, and driveways.
Removing the seeds may help reduce the number of bugs nearby. However, it will not remove all of them because the bugs may fly in from other areas.
8. Remove Outdoor Hiding Places
Boxelder bugs may hide under leaves, boards, rocks, firewood, and other yard debris.
Rake up fallen leaves and remove piles of unwanted materials from near your home. Keep firewood dry, covered, and away from outside walls.
Pay close attention to the sunny south and west sides of the house. Boxelder bugs often gather in these warm areas.
9. Use Sticky Traps Indoors
Sticky traps may catch a few boxelder bugs indoors, but they will not control a large infestation.
Place traps near windows, doors, and other places where you have seen the bugs. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Check the traps often and replace them when they become full or dusty.
Do not hang sticky traps in trees. They are unlikely to control boxelder bugs outdoors and may catch helpful insects.
10. Consider Removing a Female Boxelder Tree
Removing a female boxelder tree may reduce the number of boxelder bugs near your home. However, tree removal should be a last choice.
Mature trees provide shade and may support wildlife. Boxelder bugs can also fly in from trees several blocks away. Therefore, removing one tree may not solve the problem.
Speak with a certified arborist before removing a large tree.
11. Neem-Based Products
Neem-based pesticides may help control boxelder bugs. They usually work best when the spray touches the bugs directly. Repeat treatments may be needed.
Some products combine neem oil with other insecticides. For example, Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus contains neem oil and pyrethrins, and its label lists boxelder bugs.
Use the product only in places allowed on its label. Follow all mixing and safety directions. Do not spray flowers while bees are visiting.
12. Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth may kill boxelder bugs that crawl through a thin, dry layer. However, it works slowly and may not control a large infestation.
Apply it only in dry, protected areas allowed on the product label. Avoid breathing the dust or getting it in your eyes.
Keep children and pets away while applying it. Reapply it according to the label after it becomes wet.
13. Use Commercial Pesticides Only When Needed
Insecticides are rarely needed for boxelder bugs. They often provide only short-term control because more bugs may fly into the area.
If the problem is severe, choose a product whose label lists boxelder bugs and the place you want to treat. Follow all mixing, application, and safety directions.
Some products contain pyrethrins, clarified neem oil, or cold-pressed neem oil containing azadirachtins. Products containing these ingredients may help control boxelder bugs. Some kill on contact, while others may repel the bugs or affect their feeding and growth.
Products such as ECOWORKS EC list boxelder bugs on the label. However, use the product only on plants, crops, or other places allowed by its current label. Do not apply it to walls or indoor surfaces unless the label allows this use.
Keep sprays away from children, pets, ponds, food, and storm drains. Do not spray open flowers while bees are visiting.
Never spray boxelder bugs inside your home. For a serious outdoor infestation, consider hiring a licensed pest-control professional.
Methods to Avoid
Do not use boiling or very hot water. It can burn people and damage grass, plants, tree roots, paint, and other surfaces.
Vinegar and essential oils are not dependable boxelder bug controls. Strong mixtures may damage plants and surfaces. Some essential oils may also be unsafe around pets.
Avoid crushing boxelder bugs because they may produce a bad smell and leave stains.
Prevention Tip
Begin checking your home before fall. Repair screens, seal openings, and remove yard debris before the bugs start looking for winter shelter.
Pay close attention to warm, sunny walls. Removing outdoor groups early may help reduce the number of bugs that enter your home.
Takeaway
Boxelder bugs rarely harm healthy plants, but they can become a major nuisance when they gather in large numbers.
The best control methods are sealing entry points, repairing screens, vacuuming indoor bugs, removing fallen seeds, and clearing hiding places from around the home.
Sprays may kill bugs on contact, but they usually provide only short-term control. Starting early is the best way to keep boxelder bugs outside.
Sasha Campbell
Add comment