Hundreds of these insects can find their way inside for the winter.
Here’s how to get rid of boxelder bugs.
Like their fellow fall pest, thebrown marmorated stink bug, boxelder bugs like to congregate in large numbers.
Credit: dreamyscapes / Getty Images
When squished, their orange-ish innards can leavestains on your walls, carpet, and flooring.
Boxelder bugs can also release an unpleasant smell when crushed or otherwise disturbed.
Vacuuming up boxelder bugsis a less messy solution.
you’ve got the option to also try sweeping them back outside to reduce indoor populations.
Over time, boxelder bugs have developed a resistance to many standard formulas.
That means you won’t have much success using insecticides against them.
Pesticides could also harm pets, small children, and nontargetinsects such as pollinators.
Make a Soap Spray
A simple solution made from soap and water will kill boxelder bugs.
Add a tablespoon or so ofliquid dishwashing soapto a spray bottle full of water and shake gently to combine.
Spray the mixture directly on any bugs you see.
The soap breaks down the bugs' outer shells, so they dehydrate and die.
According to the University of Idaho, replacing these trees may reduce their numbers only slightly.
Remember, boxelder bugs may be annoying, but they won’t hurt you or damage your home.
Keepyour vacuum cleanerand soap spray handy for anypests you spot.
When spring arrives, these insects will make their way outside again, where they belong.
They love warm areas, so they are drawn to structures with sunny southern or western exposure.
Boxelder bugs are not venomous or toxic and do not sting, so they are not harmful to pets.
Boxelder bugs live for approximately one year.
These insects will be out during the spring and summer months.
There aren’t many animals that eat boxelder bugs because they deter predators with their scent.
However, rats, chipmunks, spiders, and some birds will occasionally eat these insects.
