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Pest Management Priducts Division of CSPA
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Elimination of Host Trees
Since the presence of these boxelder bugs is primarily associated with boxelder trees, replacement with other tree species is one method of eliminating this insect. If boxelder trees are present, it may be best to keep only the male or staminate trees and remove the female, pistillate or pod-bearing trees to help reduce insect numbers. However, elimination of trees on a property won’t always completely resolve the problem. Full-grown, winged adults can fly some distance, so boxelder bugs may also migrate in from neighboring trees. If removal of trees is not an option, fallen seeds can be removed from beneath and near trees.
Exclusion and Sanitation
Repairing torn screens and filling places where insects can enter the house, such as cracks around doors and utility pipes can help prevent insects entering the home. Any boxelder bugs that enter the home may be controlled by hand-collecting or vacuuming. Hiding places such as piles of rocks, boards, leaves, and general debris close to home should also be removed since boxelder bugs hide during the day or can over winter in these sites.
If large numbers of insects are found on walls or tree trunks these can be washed off with a forceful stream of water, and since boxelder bugs are susceptible to drowning large numbers will be controlled in this way. Smaller clusters of bugs may be killed by pouring boiling water on them, but be careful to avoid killing grass and other desirable plants.
Chemical Control
Insecticide sprays are generally not required for the outdoor control of boxelder bugs, and are often no more effective than vacuuming and hosing. Insecticidal soap applied in a forceful spray of water may reduce populations on tree trunks. Suitably labeled pyrethroid insecticides may be used to treat foundation walls around the perimeter of buildings or for application to tree trunks and branches.
Indoor control of boxelder bugs is often difficult since insects tend to be scattered throughout the house. Crawling insect killer aerosol sprays labeled for boxelder bugs may provide temporary control of indoor infestations. Cracks and crevices, wall voids and similar areas may also be treated with dusts and/or aerosols.
Before using any insecticide, always read the label, follow directions and safety precautions.
When applications are needed on tall trees or to large areas requiring specialized equipment, it is best to employ a reputable pest control firm.