Box Elder Bugs: Tips and Ideas
Are you familiar with Box Elder bugs? If you’re not, don’t fret because not many know about this type of pest— or at least not by its name. Deriving its name from the Box Elder tree, this kind of bug is closely associated with the tree. They’re black and red or reddish-orange, and small, shorter in length than a dime.
Box elder bugs are attracted to the tree having the same name. While they don’t usually cause damage to the tree or the nearby areas, they can be quite a nuisance. In fact, some local government units ban the tree because of it attracts these bugs.
Box Elder bugs are not considered dangerous, but if you are struggling with them or if you can’t tolerate their presence, you might want to consider calling in the professionals to help you remove them. Get in touch with Beeline Pest Control for comprehensive and efficient solutions against these bugs.
Eliminating Box Elder Bugs
Box Elder bugs are not dangerous; however, they can be such a nuisance. These bugs usually gather in big groups and enter homes, wreaking havoc to the place. They ruin curtains, mess up rugs, or dirty furniture surfaces. No matter how innocuous their actions are, box elder bugs are indeed offensive to the senses. The last thing you’d want is to have their number increase. Thus, you’ll want to suppress their growth. Here are a couple of tips to clamp down on their multiplication.
-
Closing Any Breach
To begin with, you need to seal your home. Cover any openings that may be used by them as ingress. Box elder bugs can fit into crevices and cracks on walls or the spaces between the wall and ceiling. They can also find their way into your home through nooks and crannies on the floor or roof.
Masking these gaps is the most cost-effective way to make sure they don’t gain entry into your home. Look at the spaces where pipes, wires, or cables enter your home. Fix door sweeps on all exterior doors to prevent the bugs from sliding underneath. Examine your moldings and baseboards for cracks; you can use caulk to fill any worrisome gaps. Window frames are another common gap, and any damage to siding should be repaired.
-
Soap Can Kill Them
Should you ever find an infestation, you can use soapy water to suffocate and kill them. This works because soapy water will clog the spiracles through which most insects breathe. There’s often no need to use pesticides, especially if there are only a few bugs. Just spray soapy water directly at them. Resorting to pesticides is advisable if soapy water isn’t enough.
As a rule, using pesticides inside the home should be avoided. Its active ingredients can be harmful to people, pets, and sometimes even furniture. For best results, use insecticide spray by late summer or early fall where most of these bugs are on the move. Focus on exposed pipes, as well as anywhere that bugs congregate.
-
Keep the Broom or Vacuum Within Reach
One of the best ways to eliminate Box Elder bugs is to use a broom to sweep them outside, or to vacuum them up. This step may seem labor-intensive, but it’s quite safe and doesn’t get anything wet, like soapy water or pesticides do, which can save you clean up efforts later, and avoid harm to furniture (antique wood furniture can be especially sensitive to getting wet).
-
Call on the Professionals
When all else fails, get in touch with Beeline Pest Control. We’re here to help you. For a free estimate or to schedule a home visit, contact us at (801) 544-9200.
