Box elder bugs, also known as boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata), are members of the Rhopalidae insect family. These harmless, annoying pests appear during the spring and fall seasons. Their reproduction cycle begins early in the year and the first batch of nymphs shows up about 11-19 days after their reproduction cycle begins. During the fall season, box elder bugs tend to gather on the south sides of walls and structures to take advantage of the sun as they prepare for the winter months. The best method of dealing with boxelder bugs is to take proactive steps to prevent them from coming into your home.
Boxelder bugs may be annoying but they’re non-toxic and they don’t bite. Their diet consists of ripening tree seeds, which they consume without damaging the tree. The only people who are directly affected by boxelder bugs are those who intended to use the tree seeds the pests consume. Because of their non-toxic state and the fact that they’re not harmful, many households with a boxelder bug contamination in their backyards or lawns decide to just ignore them. However, box elder bugs found in the yard or surrounding the foundation of your house can quickly infect the interior of your home. As a result, pesticide sprays are highly advised to prevent them from taking root in your home.
Various chemical substances in industrial pesticides can easily deal with a boxelder bug contamination. The most common ones are bifenthrin, cyfulthrin and tralomethrin. Other options include lambda cyhalothrin, deltamethrin and permethrin. Check the label of the pesticide you’re considering to ensure they have one of these active ingredients. While a spray pesticide is the best choice for the exterior of your home, a pesticide should only be used indoors if you already have a large cluster of box elder bugs. An effective indoor pesticide such as Cynoff WP or CyKick CS includes the natural substance known as pyrethrin. Additionally you can use sprays like Cyonara LP, NiBan, and Demand G throughout the your property.
Use the pesticide in crevices in order to wipe out the entire colony of box elder bugs. Aerosols like Air-Devil HPX, Invader HPX, or Microcare are generally good choices. Always spray thoroughly to get rid of all box elder bugs, because a small infestation now can lead to many more insects in the spring and fall. Box elder bugs may not be damaging but they’re certainly annoying for everyone. Having hundreds of bugs running through your home can make your entire household feel uneasy and can cause hygiene concerns.
Pesticides are reasonably priced and can easily be bought in local stores and from online retailers. Keep in mind that it’s not enough to simply kill the box elder bugs you see. In order to eliminate them all, you need to eradicate the entire colony. Get rid of boxelder bugs now, and by the time next spring comes, you’ll have a more pleasant home and a safer backyard.