How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs
What are these creepy, red, flying bugs on the side of my house?!?
Well, those are probably boxelder bugs, and they love to hang out on the side of your warm siding in the sun. They also love to hang out in the small cracks and crevices around your house when it gets colder.
Do boxelder bugs come into the house? Sometimes! They don’t necessarily want to come in, but when there are so many bugs looking for small cracks to stay warm in over the winter, it’s just a matter of time until a few eventually find their way inside.
Don’t panic too much though! Boxelder bugs don’t bite or carry any transmissible diseases. They won’t breed or multiply in your house either.
Still, there are just too many on the outside of the house and they’re getting in! How can I get rid of the boxelder bugs??
Eco-conscious homeowners may be hesitant to resort to harsh chemical solutions. Fortunately, there are eco-friendly methods to control boxelder bugs without harming the environment.
Eco-Friendly Boxelder Bug Control:
- Sealing Entry Points: The first step in eco-friendly boxelder bug control is to prevent them from entering your home. Seal any cracks or gaps around doors, windows, and foundation walls with caulk or weatherstripping. Repair any broken door sweeps or window seals. This simple yet effective measure can help keep these bugs outdoors.
- Remove Attractants: Boxelder bugs are drawn to boxelder, maple, and ash trees. They breed inside the seed clusters and fall out of the tree in great numbers. If you have these trees near your home, consider removing them or planting alternative species that are less attractive to boxelder bugs. This can reduce their numbers around your property.
- Natural Repellents: A great way to repel boxelder bugs without harming them is by using natural repellents. Spray a mixture of water and dish soap on affected areas, as the soap disrupts their cell membranes and causes dehydration. You should apply this every couple of days!
- Vacuuming: When boxelder bugs find their way into your home, use a vacuum cleaner to remove them. Easy!
- Neem Oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be effective against boxelder bugs. Dilute it with water and spray it on affected areas, both inside and outside your home. Neem oil is safe for humans, pets, and beneficial insects.
- Beneficial Insects: Encourage natural predators like ladybugs, spiders, and birds that feed on boxelder bugs to take up residence in your garden. Planting flowers and providing bird feeders can attract these helpful creatures. Just be careful to catch those bird seeds with some kind of tray underneath, so you don’t attract other unwanted pests!
- Professional Help: If you have a severe infestation that eco-friendly methods can’t control, consider hiring a pest control professional who specializes in eco-friendly solutions. They can employ targeted strategies to manage the problem.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once you’ve successfully controlled the current boxelder bug infestation, focus on preventing future occurrences by maintaining a clean and well-sealed home. Regularly inspect for cracks, gaps, and entry points, and be proactive in your approach to maintain an eco-friendly, pest-free environment. Yes, that might include cutting down your tree…
If you need professional help with boxelder bugs on your Calgary home, let us know by filling out the form above!
