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Boxelder Bug Control

- Stop bugs from getting into walls and attics -

Summary: Boxelder bug control should begin with low toxicity insecticidal treatment of surfaces where bugs congregate and sealing of entranceways to the inside of homes.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

What to do when boxelder bugs invade homes

First, exclude boxelder bugs from entering the house. Repair screens and caulk cracks around windows and doors. Bugs that do get in will take up winter residence in wall voids and the attic. They will not cause any structural damage but will become a nuisance throughout the winter. If you are unable to seal exterior cracks you may need to treat wall voids and the attic with insecticidal dust.

It is also possible to treat boxelder bugs as they congregate on house siding. Use one of the three ways outlined below. Bear in mind that bugs become less affected by insecticides later in the fall as their metabolism slows down for winter. Treat as soon as migrating bugs start arriving in early fall.

picture of boxelder bug

Boxelder bug (about 1/2 inch long). Note the red markings around the dark grey wings. Adjust your monitor

 

Insecticide treatments for boxelder bugs

Insecticidal soap can be used to safely treat bugs that congregate on house siding in the fall. You'll probably need to treat every day or two while bugs are migrating since soap has no residual activity. Spray bugs directly.

A new botanical insecticide, EcoPCO WPX (see below), is now available that should give longer residual activity than soap while maintaining soap's safety margin. Spray areas where bugs enter buildings and congregate. No need to spray bugs directly. What I like about this new material is that you get the benefits of a residual insecticide without the usual hazards of a conventional insecticide.

The most aggressive approach is to apply a light spray of a pyrethroid insecticide to the siding and eves, not bugs, wherever boxelder bugs congregate. It is not necessary to treat the bugs directly. Pyrethroid insecticides will give longer residual activity but are considerably more toxic and hazardous to apply.

Several insecticides are available for this application including cypermethrin and permethrin. Be sure to check the label for appropriate usage. You'll need a three gallon backpack sprayer, safety equipment and a ladder. Treating the maple trees on which boxelder bugs develop has not been effective. These insects are strong fliers and may be migrating from trees some distance away.

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Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.

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