Boxelder Bug Prevention & Control

Boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) are common nuisance pests, especially in the fall when they gather in large numbers on buildings to seek warmth. While they don’t bite or cause structural damage, they can stain surfaces with their excrement and become a major annoyance. Here’s how to prevent and control boxelder bugs effectively:

1. Identify the Problem

What Are Boxelder Bugs?

• Size & Color: About ½ inch long, black with red or orange markings on their back.

• Seasonal Activity: Most active in spring and fall. In cooler months, they seek shelter inside homes.

• Habitat: Found on boxelder, maple, and ash trees. In fall, they gather on sunny walls and around windows.

• Nuisance Issues: They can stain curtains, walls, and furniture with their feces but do not bite or destroy property.

2. Prevention & Control Strategies

A. Seal Entry Points (Keep Them Out!)

✔ Seal cracks & gaps: Inspect walls, windows, doors, and vents, and use caulk or weather stripping to seal openings.
✔ Install door sweeps: Prevent them from sneaking in under doors.
✔ Screen vents & openings: Cover attic and foundation vents with fine mesh screens.
✔ Fix window screens: Ensure all screens are intact to block entry points.

B. Reduce Outdoor Attractants

✔ Remove host trees: If boxelder bugs are a recurring problem, consider removing female boxelder trees, which produce the seeds they feed on.
✔ Trim vegetation: Keep trees and shrubs pruned so they don’t touch the house.
✔ Clean up debris: Remove fallen boxelder seeds, leaves, and other organic matter near the foundation.

C. Control Moisture & Sunlit Areas

✔ Reduce warmth attraction: Boxelder bugs gather on south- and west-facing walls in fall. Using light-colored paint can make these areas less attractive.
✔ Keep areas dry: Fix leaks and ensure proper drainage around your foundation.

D. Physical & Natural Repellents

✔ Vacuum them up: The easiest way to remove boxelder bugs indoors is to vacuum them and dispose of the bag immediately.
✔ Use soapy water: A simple solution of water + dish soap kills boxelder bugs on contact. Spray it directly on congregating bugs.
✔ Essential oils: Mix peppermint, tea tree, or citrus oil with water and spray it around entry points to repel them.
✔ Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Sprinkle food-grade DE around entry points to deter them naturally.

E. Chemical Treatments (If Needed)

✔ Insecticide sprays: For large infestations, use pyrethrin-based sprays around windows, doors, and entry points.
✔ Perimeter treatments: Applying insecticides like bifenthrin or deltamethrin around the foundation can help prevent them from entering.

3. Long-Term Prevention Tips

✅ Seal and caulk all gaps to prevent future infestations.
✅ Remove or trim boxelder trees if they are attracting large numbers.
✅ Use soapy water sprays as a non-toxic control method.
✅ Apply perimeter insecticides before fall to stop them from gathering.
✅ Vacuum and dispose of any that make it inside your home.