Having bugs gather in your house is never ideal. Unfortunately, some pests may think your home is the perfect hiding spot. Boxelder bugs gather on the side of homes before slipping indoors. With a little bit of work, you can prevent these pests from showing up. We’ve made a list of tips to help keep boxelder bugs out of your home.
Seal Entry Points
It’s always important to make sure bugs can’t find a way into your home. You’ll want to examine the exterior of your house for cracks or gaps. Seal these holes with wire mesh or caulk. Check near doors, windows, and your home’s foundation. Make sure screens, weatherstripping, and door sweeps are in good condition. Seal any openings near cable, phone, or utility lines. Don’t forget to seal interior cracks that could be hiding spots for boxelder bugs.
Keep Your Yard Clean
If you minimize shelter in your yard, boxelder bugs will be less likely to stick around. Keep the perimeter of your home clear of debris. Take the time to remove leaves, weeds, rocks, and other clutter. Don’t store woodpiles close to your home. Instead, place these several feet away from your house. Regularly mow your lawn and keep your plants trimmed.
Vacuum
Vacuuming is a great way to keep boxelder bugs away. If these pests slip indoors, you can use a vacuum to get rid of them. If you have a shop vacuum, you can use this to remove boxelder bugs that are on the exterior of your home. Doing this can help prevent them from sneaking inside. Be sure to empty the contents of the vacuum into a sealed bag. Place the bag in an outdoor trash bin that has tight-fitting lids.
Spray Them Away with Water
When boxelder bugs congregate on your walls, you can use water to get rid of them. The water pressure from a garden hose will knock these pests off. You will usually find boxelder bugs on the warm, sunny side of homes. Though this method won’t kill boxelder bugs, it will discourage them from gathering and heading indoors.
Watch Your Boxelder Trees
Boxelder bugs are attracted to boxelder trees because they feed on their seeds and leaves. If you have boxelder trees in your yard, there’s a good chance boxelder bugs will be present. Remove any fallen seeds to help deter these pests. If planting a new boxelder tree, consider choosing a non-seed-bearing species. It’s important to note that boxelder bugs can travel several miles to find shelter or a food source, so these pests could be a problem even if you don’t have these trees in your yard.
Create a Protective Barrier
Spraying the perimeter of your yard with a plant-based insecticide spray can help prevent boxelder bugs. Our Yard Bug Spray kills pests and provides residual repellency protection. The repellent properties act as a barrier helping to keep bugs out. Our plant-based Home Bug Spray can also be applied to common entry points to discourage boxelder bugs from entering your home. If you notice boxelder bugs on your plants or trees, our Beetle & Boxelder Bug Killer kills these pests and their eggs.
Though boxelder bugs are mainly a nuisance, they can be problematic when they invade in large numbers. Taking the time to pest-proof your space can help keep these bugs away. If boxelder bugs or other pests are bugging you, we have your back! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.