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Boxelder Bug Control
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Stop bugs from getting into walls and attics -
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Summary:
Boxelder bug control is a two step process. First, seal any
openings that can be used by the bugs to get inside
the home then treat
exterior surfaces with a low toxicity insecticide.
Jack
DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext.
Entomologist (ret.)
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Stopping boxelder bugs
First, whenever possible exclude boxelder bugs (see What are Boxelder Bugs?) from entering the house by
repairing screens and caulking cracks around windows and doors. Bugs that do get
in will take up winter residence in wall voids and the attic. They will not
cause any structural damage but will become a nuisance throughout the
winter. If you are unable to seal exterior cracks you may need to treat wall
voids and the attic with insecticidal dust.
Second, treat boxelder bugs as they congregate
on house siding as outlined below. Keep in mind that
bugs become less affected by insecticides later in the fall as their metabolism
slows down for winter. Therefore treat as soon as migrating bugs start
arriving in early fall.
Since
this article was written two additional insects have stated causing similar
problems in parts of the US. The brown marmorated stink bug and the
kudzu
bug in the
southeastern US. Both of these new "home invaders" can be managed in the same
way you would boxelder bugs as described below.
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Boxelder bug (about
1/2 inch long). Note the red markings
around the dark grey wings.
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Insecticide treatments
First try just insecticidal soap to treat bugs that
congregate on house siding in the fall. You'll probably need to treat every day
or two while new bugs continue arriving in the fall since soap has little or no
residual activity. Spray bugs directly with a 1-2% soap solution using a
backpack sprayer (see Using Insecticidal
Soap). A botanical insecticide can be used for
longer (a few days) residual control but again be sure to check product labels
for approved uses. A variety of botanical and "natural" insecticides are
available from our affiliate DoMyOwn.com here.
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As a last resort, a light spray of a pyrethroid
insecticide (active ingredient = bifenthrin, cypermethrin, permethrin,
lambda-cyhalothrin, and other ingredient names ending in "-thrin") can be
applied to the siding and eves, wherever boxelder bugs congregate. Be sure to
check the product labels for appropriate usage. It is not necessary to treat
the bugs directly. Pyrethroid insecticides will give longer residual activity
but are more toxic and hazardous to apply than soap or the botanicals. You'll
need a 1-3 gal. pump sprayer, safety equipment (depending on what you use) and a
ladder as well.
Kits and other supplies for boxelder bug control are
available here (DoMyOwn.com), our affiliate.
Treating the maple trees on which boxelder bugs develop has
not been effective because these insects are strong fliers and may be
coming from trees a long distance away.
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Vacuum bugs off siding
Another, less expensive method is to simply use a large
capacity wet/dry type vacuum cleaner to suck up bugs that are accessible. Be
sure to empty the canister frequently because dead bugs inside the vacuum will
begin to smell fairly quickly. This will need to be done every day or two in the
fall as long as the bugs are flying in your area.
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unbiased information for solving common insect and
mite problems around your home, business and landscape
using least-toxic methods.
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