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Boxelder Bug Control

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Black Bugs with Orange Lines Everywhere?

If you’re seeing lots of black beetles with orange stripes, you’re probably seein boxelder bugs.

Eastern Boxelder Bug photo, credit: Katja Schulz

Boxelder bugs are a nuisance. They collect on sunny walls in large–sometimes alarming–numbers. Luckily they are not typically home-infesting.

If you’re seeing lots of boxelder bugs inside your house, give us a call. We’ll inspect your home for entry points and help with a plan to seal them out for good.

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Box Elder Bug Removal

If you’re looking for boxelder bug treatment, but want a more eco-friendly approach, call us first. We’ll help take care of box elder bugs with Integrated Pest Management and natural, eco-safe solutions.

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Boxelder Bug FAQs

Are boxelder bugs harmful?

Boxelder bugs are plant-feeding insects that do not pose a threat to human health or safety. They primarily feed on the seeds & sap of maple and boxelder trees, so they’re not after the food in your pantry.

They become a nusiance in warmer months when they gather on sides of buldings and enter homes. Sometimes they leave unsightly fecal spots on surfaces, and emit a foul odor and film when crushed.

Eastern Boxelder Bug photo, credit: Katja Schulz

Boxelder Bug Life Cycle

Boxelder bug adults overwinter in sheltered crevices of tree bark, under rocks & in homes. In spring the adults disperse and lay eggs on female boxelder or maple trees. The eggs hatch and go through 5 reddish nymphal instars before reaching adulthood. In the Portland area, boxelder bugs can have up to 2 generations per year.

Download this pub from University of Idaho Extension for really cool facts about boxelder bugs.

How To Get Rid of Boxelders Outside Naturally

When boxelders gather in large numbers in the fall, they may seem ominous or annoying. So if you’re wondering how to get rid of boxelder bugs outside naturally, the best thing to do is make sure your house is sealed up, and tolerate them for a few weeks until they go away. Botanical insecticides, soapy water, and even diatomaceous earth can help control their numbers, but not long-term, as more are likely to replace them.

Are boxelder bugs native?

Most sources suggest boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) are native to eastern North America where boxelder trees are indigenous, and were introduced to other areas wherever boxelder trees were planted.

The Western boxelder bug (Boisea rubrolineata) is native from BC Canada down to Nevada, California & Arizona. If you notice there are extra orange strips on the wing veins, then it’s probably a Western boxelder bug.

What is the Best Deterrent for Boxelder Bugs?

The best deterrent for boxelder bugs would be to rid your yard of any trees, especially maples, ash & boxelders. But most people don’t want to do that, and the bugs can fly in from nextdoor anyway.

You can try to paint your house a darker color, so that it doesn’t reflect as much warmth and becomes a less attractive area for them. Using essential oils to deter overwintering insects can help provide some releif, but should be done with extreme caution as not to harm pollinators & beneficial insects.

How to get rid of boxelder bugs inside

If you’re noticing lots of boxelder bugs or stink bugs inside, then there is probably a large opening in your house somewhere. Missing screens behind gable vents, gaps around soffits, eaves, and along gutter lines are common areas where boxelder bugs sneak into your attic.

To remove boxelder bugs from inside, just use a piece of paper and a cup to show them outside. Or, if if there are alot, use a vacuum but remember to empty the bag. It’s not recommended to spray pesticides inside your living area to control boxelder bugs, as either a contact or residual treatment. Although it may kill the bugs you see, it’s just a band-aid until the entry points are found and sealed.

We can help you search of the likely entry points and help you with an IPM plan for the best eco-friendly boxelder bug control.

Pest & Pollinator LLC is committed to our mission of helping the Portland OR community solve pest problems while reducing pesticides and protecting biodiversity.

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