There are many types of insects in the world. Some are harmful and some are not. Boxelder bugs is among them. These bugs can be a nuisance. You may see it in spring and fall. Do you know what they do?
They cause a ruckus as the weather warms and trees bloom. They also remerge in abundance in the fall. These bugs are not dangerous but they are annoying. The color of this bug is red and black. These bugs can spread the infestation in your house. If it happens, you will feel overwhelmed.
If you want to get rid of this problem, you will have to stop gathering them. Read this article carefully we will help you get rid of boxelder bugs. We have talked about in detail of orange and black bugs.
What are Boxelder Bugs?
Many folks refer to these small orange and black bugs but this is incorrect. They are a species of “true bug”. These bugs are mostly found on boxelder, maple, and ash trees. The color of this is dark brown or black and it has reddish-orange wing veins.
This is the identity of this bug. If you see bugs like this in-house, you must know that these are boxelder bugs. They mostly come with a vengeance in the spring and fall.
Detail about the Boxelder Bug Life Cycle
The life cycle of this bug is very short. They live for a few days (up to a week). The life cycle of this bug is divided into two stages which are given below.
- Egg
- Nymph — If you see a bright red boxelder, it’s likely a nymph.
- Adult
They are active in warmer temperatures.
How to Get Rid of Box Elder Bugs
If you want to get rid of box elder bugs, you will have to follow these steps. I know these things irritate but it is the only way to get rid of this bug from your home.
Spray Boxelder Bugs with Dish Soap
If you want to get rid, you will have to make your. You will have to mix a tablespoon of dish soap into a spray bottle of water. When you find large groups of boxelder beetles in the group, spray on them. This spray will kill them. It is a very powerful spray for them.
You will have to spray till they disperse. Remember one thing; do not try to crush them. If you crush them, they will release an unpleasant odor. If we talk about their taste, it is as bad as their smell. Spider eats a boxelder bug in a pinch.
It is not their first choice of cuisine.
Clean Large Surfaces with Dish Soap
I told them they like warm surfaces, they find heat-reflective surfaces to soak up warmth. If they gather on the exterior of a building, they will find a way to go inside. If you want to keep away them from your home, you should use spray. You can also scrub down their perches with soapy water or a scented cleaning solution.
If you do this, it will stop them to return. If you kill them with a hard surface or crush them, they will release smelling liquid. It will attract other bugs.
If you keep cleaning, it may help to get rid of them.
Vacuum up the Box Elder Bugs
If you vacuum them, it will also help keep them away. No doubt, it is the best way to remove them. If you have sucked them, it is time to throw out the vacuum cleaner bag away. If you do not, they will come out of it.
Now it is time to clean the area from where you vacuumed with soap. You should also water the surface.
Seal up Doors and Windows
They come in groups and they push each other into gaps and cracks around their perches. If they go inside the gaps, they will find the heat place inside the building. You should seal gaps and cracks. You should also see gaps around your windows and door frames with caulk. They come from any cracks and gaps.
Seal or Replace Ill-Fitting Electrical Cover Plates
They follow the heat. Maybe, you will find it in electrical outlets, switch boxes, heating ducts, or return air vents. Their body can bear that.
Remove or Trim Box Elder Trees
There are not only the heats that attract it but also boxelder trees attract them. If you have a tree on your property, it will allow them to produce those little “helicopter” seed pods. If you cut the tree, it will reduce the number of boxelders around your home.
If you like the trees and do not want to remove them, you will have to trim them regularly. You should Mow or rake up seed pods as they fall as much as possible. If they do not feel comfortable, they will stop coming to your home or garden
