When boxelder bugs congregate outside your property, it may not seem like much of a problem. They’re not poisonous, they don’t harm property and they don’t pose a threat to your plants. However, as the months get cooler, they may seek out refuge in your warm home. Typically they’ll stay in the walls and will not breed while in your home. Still, the idea of hundreds or thousands of bugs in your home isn’t pleasant. Read on to learn how to prevent these bugs from taking up residence in your home.
The first thing you need to understand is that these bugs will not enter your home as long as it’s warm outside. It’s only during the colder months that they look for a place to overwinter. If you notice bugs in your home in the beginning of spring there is no reason to take any action beyond removing the bugs you see. These bugs are simply looking for a way out of your home.
However, if you see many bugs outside your home during the summer and early fall months, then this is the time to take action. As soon as it begins to get cooler they will start to look for ways into a warm environment and it may be your home. You can start by ensuring that your home is sealed up. Then it’s time to move on to using insecticides.
There are a few things you should look for as you select an insecticide. First, choose an option that specifically says it’s successful at treating boxelder bug infestations. Remember that an insecticide that’s right for one bug won’t necessarily be effective on another. Next make sure that it’s approved for outdoor use. Some of the most common active ingredients used for boxelder bugs include: lambda cyhalothrin, cyfluthrin, tralomethrin and bifenthrin.
Once you’ve selected a pesticide, take note of where you’re noticing the most box elder bugs around your property. Then, following the directions on the can, spray this area with the insecticide you’ve chosen. If this doesn’t take care of the problem then it may become necessary to hire a professional pest control company. Never mix pesticides, as the mixing of different chemicals can be toxic.
As you look for the best ways to handle boxelder bugs, it’s important to understand what won’t work. While these bugs do tend to stick close to box elder trees, it’s not typically worth it to remove the tree. They can travel for miles to get food so the presence or absence of a tree is not necessarily an indicator that you’ll have an infestation. Additionally, indoor insecticides are not typically recommended.