Boxelder Bug Prevention

Landscape

• The insects are not highly damaging to landscape plants but will start to enter homes if they are not controlled in the garden. In case of a severe problem, remove female or pod-bearing boxelder trees from the landscape as this is the main source of attraction for the insect. It is also possible that the bugs, which are able to fly long distances, are coming in from other boxelder trees on nearby properties.

Sanitation

• Boxelder bugs have numerous favorite hiding spots around the house in which they not only rest during the day but also overwinter. Eliminating these will discourage pests from increasing in number. These include old piles of rocks, leaves and junk on the property. Clear weeds and grass in a 6- to 10-foot area, especially around the south and west areas of the foundation.

Reducing Entryways

• Close out all possible entryways of the insects inside the house. Make sure that there are no damaged window and door screens in the house. Check the screens in the roof and soffit vents as well as in the fans in the kitchen and bathroom, and seal the areas where phone lines, cable wires and dryer vents are entering house. Use caulk, copper mesh or spray foam as sealing material. Place a rubber seal under garage doors and door sweeps on thresholds.

Pesticides

• Chemical control options include the use of products containing bifenthrin, deltamethrin, cyfluthrin, permethrin or tralamethrin. Use insecticides during late summer and fall when the bugs start to appear in large numbers. Remove any pests inside the home manually with a vacuum or broom. The use of insecticides on boxelder bugs inside the house is not necessary as the insects do not reproduce inside the house and only have a life span of a few days once indoors.