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Boxelder Bug Control
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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 the home then treat exterior surfaces
with a low toxicity insecticide.
Jack
DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext.
Entomologist (ret.)
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Stopping boxelder bugs
First,
whenever possible 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.
Since
this article was written several years ago two
additional insects have stated causing similar
problems in specific regions of the US. The brown
marmorated stink bug
in the northeast and the kudzu
bug
in the southeastern US. Both of these new "home
invaders" can be managed in the same way you
would boxelder bugs as described below.
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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
(1) 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).
(2) A new botanical insecticide,
EcoPCO WPX , is
available here (DoMyOwnPestControl.com),
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
hazards of a conventional insecticide.
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(3) Finally, 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 more toxic and hazardous to apply than soap or the
botanicals like EcoPCO WPX above. Several pyrethroid
insecticides are available including cypermethrin
and permethrin. Both can be purchased
here (DoMyOwnPestControl.com)
but be sure to check the labels for appropriate usage.
You'll need a pump sprayer, safety equipment
(depending on what you use) 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
coming from trees a long 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, PhD,
 , email:
[email protected]
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