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Boxelder Bug Control
- Stop bugs from getting into walls and attics -
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Summary: Boxelder bug control is a two step process. First, seal any openings that can be used by the bugs to get inside then treat exterior surfaces with a low toxicity insecticide.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
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What to do when boxelder bugs invade
 First, exclude boxelder bugs (see What are Boxelder Bugs?) from entering the house by repairing screens and caulking 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 (see Related Articles below).
Second, treat boxelder bugs as they congregate on house siding using 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. Therefore treat as soon as migrating bugs start arriving in early fall.
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Boxelder bug (about 1/2 inch long). Note the red markings around the dark grey wings.
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Insecticide treatments
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 new bugs continue arriving since soap has little or no residual activity. Spray bugs directly with a 1-2% soap solution using a backpack sprayer (see Using Insecticidal Soap).
A new botanical insecticide, EcoPCO WPX (see below), is also now available that should give longer residual activity than soap while maintaining soap's safety margin. Spray areas where bugs enter buildings and congregate. 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.
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The most aggressive approach is to apply a light spray of a pyrethroid insecticide to the siding and eves, 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 (see Pest Control Suppliers) but be sure to check the labels for appropriate usage. You'll need a backpack sprayer, safety equipment and a ladder. Treating the maple trees on which boxelder bugs develop has not been effective because these insects are strong fliers and may be migrating from trees some distance away.
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Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.
Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.
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Copyright © 2004-... LivingWithBugs, LLC. All rights reserved. Page Updated: 1/16/2010
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