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Boxelder Bug Control

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.

Click for Help with Boxelder Bugs

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   Jon Daries 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I strongly recommend Keith for all your pest control needs. He's very responsive and good at explaining what he's going to do. We had a yellowjacket nest right in our front yard by the sidewalk—our mailman had decided he couldn't deliver mail anymore! Was really happy with how Keith dealt with the nest, and he even came by a week later for a second treatment after we saw a few survivors. I chose Keith because he is IPM certified, and I'm very happy with my choice.
  
 
        
   Amber V 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keith was so nice, professional and best of all cares deeply about the environment and avoiding toxic chemicals. The treatment was quick effective and did the trick within days. I have already recommended him to several friends and will definitely call again! Thanks Keith!
  
 
        
   Camila 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with Keith at Pest & Pollinator. We needed a raccoon latrine removed, and Keith made the whole process straightforward from start to finish. He was easy to communicate with over text, quick to coordinate, and managed to fit us into his schedule. He clearly explained his process, and took the time to answer our questions. He thoroughly removed the latrine and even applied a free deterrent to keep them from returning. The issue is completely resolved and the raccoons haven't been back. Keith is reliable, professional, and provides excellent service. I’d highly recommend him for any pest or wildlife needs.
  
 
        
   TM 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So happy we found Keith and his integrated approach to dealing with pests. We’d been dealing with sugar ants for weeks and wanted them gone – but didn’t want to kill all the other creepy crawlers because we’re trying to get our Backyard Habitat Certification. The good news: Keith’s company is approved to work with yards going through the program. Keith speaks fluent ant – understanding their behaviors and possessing the uncanny ability to quickly locate their colonies. We really appreciated how thorough he was – explaining what he was doing every step of the way. Since Keith came out, we’ve been ant free ever since.
  
 
        
   Vessal Zarghami 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a huge inground bee nest with over 200 plus bees right next to our pool. We were having a party and needed to have them gone asap! Keith came in super short notice had them all gone within a half an hour! Super easy to work with and great guy!
  
 
        
   Lee Willeford 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keith did is incredibly thorough and conscientious. He took his time listening to issues and assessing the situation before suggesting a course of action. He properly set expectations by making us aware of the lead time necessary to see meaningful results and he was spot on. Moreover, he made it clear our level of ant traffic would probably require a second pass in a few weeks and that he would come back out for free if the problem wasn't 100% resolved. Sure enough, we had a one particularly resilient corner of our house after a few weeks. When Keith proactively circled back, we gave him the update and he was back at our house a couple of days later at no charge. We are ant free and very satisfied. (Thanks Keith!)
  
 
        
   Terry MacDonald 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I got a good assessment of the extent of a raccoon presence, confirming it didn't extend to crawl space, and was able to evict and seal. They're still around, great, but no crash pad at my house!
  
 
        
   Mialka Bonadonna 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Pest & Pollinator is great! Exterminator Keith is unlike any exterminator that I have ever met and he helped me with a developing carpenter ant issue. Keith is very professional, tactful and discriminating, and cares about the environment. He didn't just trample through my house blasting poison everywhere like every other exterminator I've ever met. Keith listened to my goals like not stressing or harming my dogs during the process, not putting toxic stuff in my home, and definitely not killing insects indiscriminately because I recognize how important it is to protect declining insect populations. He spent time carefully inspecting my house and yard (even pulled out a ladder and looked at my roof), taught me about carpenter ant behavior and environmental modifications that deter without poison, and showed me things about my house that I never noticed. I forgot what he put down to stop my carpenter ant problem, but he used very little and very judiciously. Within two days, the ants were gone. I am always so grossed out by extermination companies that brag about killing animal and insects. I really felt that Keith respects and cares for animal like and the environment while also recognizing that we sometimes need insects to not harm us. I can't recommend Pest & Pollinator enough.
  
 
        
   Ryan Meng 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keith did an incredible job helping us manage problematic ants on our property. Keith was quick to meet with us and provided an explanation the entire way about his process. He successfully dealt with the ants using products and measures that were safe for both humans and animals. Approaching 2 months ant free! Would highly recommend Keith and Pest & Pollinator!!
  
 
        
   Cyborg Goat 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keith is the best. He thoughtfully and thoroughly took care to diagnose the issue and designed a treatment that fit the situation. Pest and Pollinator will not try to upsell or bind you in a contract like its competitors. Keith also understood and respected why I wanted to keep the spiders around the property. That meant a lot. Overall, Pest and Pollinator is amazing. Choose them.
  
 
  
 
  
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 282 reviews

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.

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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We're Oregon's–and the PNW's–only Green Shield Certified pest control company by the IPM Institute of North America. We're committed to our mission to protect your health, safety and sustainability. You can feel confident when choosing Pest & Pollinator that we're protecting your family, pets, and planet better.

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Now Accepting Happy Customers

See what our customers love about Pest & Pollinator:

    
 
 
         
   Jon Daries 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I strongly recommend Keith for all your pest control needs. He's very responsive and good at explaining what he's going to do. We had a yellowjacket nest right in our front yard by the sidewalk—our mailman had decided he couldn't deliver mail anymore! Was really happy with how Keith dealt with the nest, and he even came by a week later for a second treatment after we saw a few survivors. I chose Keith because he is IPM certified, and I'm very happy with my choice.
  
 
        
   Amber V 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keith was so nice, professional and best of all cares deeply about the environment and avoiding toxic chemicals. The treatment was quick effective and did the trick within days. I have already recommended him to several friends and will definitely call again! Thanks Keith!
  
 
        
   Camila 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with Keith at Pest & Pollinator. We needed a raccoon latrine removed, and Keith made the whole process straightforward from start to finish. He was easy to communicate with over text, quick to coordinate, and managed to fit us into his schedule. He clearly explained his process, and took the time to answer our questions. He thoroughly removed the latrine and even applied a free deterrent to keep them from returning. The issue is completely resolved and the raccoons haven't been back. Keith is reliable, professional, and provides excellent service. I’d highly recommend him for any pest or wildlife needs.
  
 
        
   TM 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So happy we found Keith and his integrated approach to dealing with pests. We’d been dealing with sugar ants for weeks and wanted them gone – but didn’t want to kill all the other creepy crawlers because we’re trying to get our Backyard Habitat Certification. The good news: Keith’s company is approved to work with yards going through the program. Keith speaks fluent ant – understanding their behaviors and possessing the uncanny ability to quickly locate their colonies. We really appreciated how thorough he was – explaining what he was doing every step of the way. Since Keith came out, we’ve been ant free ever since.
  
 
        
   Vessal Zarghami 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a huge inground bee nest with over 200 plus bees right next to our pool. We were having a party and needed to have them gone asap! Keith came in super short notice had them all gone within a half an hour! Super easy to work with and great guy!
  
 
        
   Lee Willeford 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keith did is incredibly thorough and conscientious. He took his time listening to issues and assessing the situation before suggesting a course of action. He properly set expectations by making us aware of the lead time necessary to see meaningful results and he was spot on. Moreover, he made it clear our level of ant traffic would probably require a second pass in a few weeks and that he would come back out for free if the problem wasn't 100% resolved. Sure enough, we had a one particularly resilient corner of our house after a few weeks. When Keith proactively circled back, we gave him the update and he was back at our house a couple of days later at no charge. We are ant free and very satisfied. (Thanks Keith!)
  
 
        
   Terry MacDonald 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I got a good assessment of the extent of a raccoon presence, confirming it didn't extend to crawl space, and was able to evict and seal. They're still around, great, but no crash pad at my house!
  
 
        
   Mialka Bonadonna 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Pest & Pollinator is great! Exterminator Keith is unlike any exterminator that I have ever met and he helped me with a developing carpenter ant issue. Keith is very professional, tactful and discriminating, and cares about the environment. He didn't just trample through my house blasting poison everywhere like every other exterminator I've ever met. Keith listened to my goals like not stressing or harming my dogs during the process, not putting toxic stuff in my home, and definitely not killing insects indiscriminately because I recognize how important it is to protect declining insect populations. He spent time carefully inspecting my house and yard (even pulled out a ladder and looked at my roof), taught me about carpenter ant behavior and environmental modifications that deter without poison, and showed me things about my house that I never noticed. I forgot what he put down to stop my carpenter ant problem, but he used very little and very judiciously. Within two days, the ants were gone. I am always so grossed out by extermination companies that brag about killing animal and insects. I really felt that Keith respects and cares for animal like and the environment while also recognizing that we sometimes need insects to not harm us. I can't recommend Pest & Pollinator enough.
  
 
        
   Ryan Meng 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keith did an incredible job helping us manage problematic ants on our property. Keith was quick to meet with us and provided an explanation the entire way about his process. He successfully dealt with the ants using products and measures that were safe for both humans and animals. Approaching 2 months ant free! Would highly recommend Keith and Pest & Pollinator!!
  
 
        
   Cyborg Goat 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keith is the best. He thoughtfully and thoroughly took care to diagnose the issue and designed a treatment that fit the situation. Pest and Pollinator will not try to upsell or bind you in a contract like its competitors. Keith also understood and respected why I wanted to keep the spiders around the property. That meant a lot. Overall, Pest and Pollinator is amazing. Choose them.
  
 
  
 
  
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 282 reviews

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