It’s a fact: box elder bugs are pests that can take over people’s homes and backyards. But with the right tools, you can easily get rid of them. While some people choose pesticides, others have concerns about using chemicals. The truth is that alternatives to pesticides, such as vacuuming the bugs, won’t make them disappear forever – it will only get rid of the bugs you see. The best thing you can do to eradicate boxelder bugs is to utilize insect killers and get to the core of the problem.
Pesticides are widely available and can be purchased at local stores or through online retailers. However, you must understand that there can be consequences. Not all pesticides are harmless. Some contain toxic ingredients and may put the health of your family at risk. Organic and all-natural products are typically a better alternative, as they don’t contain harmful or toxic substances. Using natural pesticides destroys the pests for good without risking the health of your family.
The main advantage of using pesticides is that they don’t just get rid of the bugs you can see, they can actually eliminate box elder bugs altogether by destroying their colonies. To completely eradicate them for good, you must treat all around the exterior of your home. Effective pesticides include active ingredients such as bifenthrin, tralomethrin and cyfulthrin. Keep in mind that these pesticides do have a strong odor, but that the odor typically dissipates quickly. Whether buying pesticides online or in a local store, do your research to find products with effective active ingredients.
General chemicals for other types of bugs will not work on box elder bugs. It’s also important to never mix chemicals, as they can have a toxic reaction to one another. Some pesticides might not harm people’s health but could harm your lawn, trees, flowers and other plants. Look for pesticides that are made specifically for boxelder bugs and for outdoor use. Organic pesticides are typically the least toxic option and will not harm plants.
If the interior of your home is infested with box elder bugs and you must treat it with pesticide, do so only after removing pets and children from the home. The odor can be strong and can affect children’s senses even if the chemicals are completely organic.
Using pesticides to take care of these annoying bugs is easy but it’s important to know when to treat your home. Just before the start of the autumn season, box elder bugs will begin looking for warmer environments. It is at this point that they will begin to take up residence in your home to find shelter for the winter. Look for cracks and holes in your home and, if your home is infected, you’ll come across hundreds of boxelder bugs. Remember that it’s not enough to kill just one bug – you must kill the entire colony. Pesticides will not just get rid of the effects of the problem – they’ll get rid of the problem at its core.