How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs—and Stop Them From Coming Back
Remove these insects from your home once and for all.
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Wondering how to get rid of boxelder bugs? Lower temperatures tend to bring pesky bugs seeking warmth—like the boxelder bug (often called a "box bug"). The boxelder bug is a North American insect species related to the stink bug. Of course, no one wants them inside. If you’ve unintentionally become a host for these insects, read on to learn how to get rid of an infestation and prevent one from reoccurring.
Meet the Experts
Vincent Luca is the owner of On Demand Pest Control, a Florida-based pest-control company.
Prerna Jain is the founder of Ministry of Cleaning, an Australia-based home-cleaning company serving Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra.
What Are Boxelder Bugs?
Boxelder bugs are categorized as “true bugs” and belong to the same family as cicadas, stink bugs, and other insects with piercing and sucking mouthparts. You can identify these bugs by their elongated black oval bodies with reddish-orange accents. They are usually about half of an inch in length, and they have long legs that jut out under their wings and red eyes.
The bugs are named after boxelder trees, where they’re frequently found. However, they also feed on other trees like maple, elms, and ash trees. They can also come inside your home, where you might find them in your couch cushions, behind the curtains, and in other hidden places. Boxelder bugs are not harmful but can stain surfaces in your home and release an unpleasant smell when crushed.
How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs in Your Home
If you’re seeing boxelder bugs in your home, rest assured that there are many environmentally safe ways to prevent them and ward them off so they don't come back.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, organic insecticide that can kill and prevent boxelder bugs from entering your home. Diatomaceous earth absorbs the waxy outer layer of boxelder bugs (and other insects), causing dehydration and death. The non-toxic substance is safe for humans and pets. Spread a thin layer of diatomaceous earth at entry points, windowsills, and other bug-prone areas, advises Prerna Jain, founder of Ministry of Cleaning. “Just remember, a little goes a long way, as excessive use can impact beneficial insects too,” Jain says.
Physical Removal
Another method to get rid of boxelder bugs is to remove them physically. This can entail trapping them by putting them in a jar or insect trap. You can then kill them or bring them far from your home to release them. If you opt to kill the bugs, take precautions, as they emit an unpleasant smell when crushed.
Vacuuming is another way to remove boxelder bugs. Since they can give off an odor when crushed, use a vacuum bag and dispose of the debris right away. To minimize the smell, use a HEPA filter vacuum and empty the bag outdoors.
Soapy Water
Another simple way to get rid of boxelder bugs is to use a soapy water solution. Add one to two tablespoons of any liquid dish soap to water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly on the boxelder bugs, and their outer protection will dissolve, killing them.
Essential Oil Repellents
Some essential oils offer a natural repellent to ward off boxelder bugs. Mint is an especially popular natural deterrent for boxelder bugs. “I love using scents like peppermint, clove, and eucalyptus to deter boxelder bugs and other unwanted visitors,” Jain says. “Mixing a few drops of your preferred essential oil with water in a spray bottle is all it takes. I spritz it in areas where I suspect these bugs might gather or attempt to sneak in.” Other natural scents that can ward off boxelders include garlic, sage, and lavender.
Neem Oil
Spray affected indoor or outdoor plants with horticulture oils or insecticidal sprays. For a natural, non-toxic solution, use neem oil. “Neem oil serves as a natural insecticide capable of disrupting the life cycle of boxelder bugs by interfering with their growth and reproductive processes,” says Vincent Luca, owner of On Demand Pest Control.
Tip
To create your own neem oil spray, combine two tablespoons of neem essential oil with two cups of water. Then spray the trees and plants where boxelder bugs congregate.
How to Prevent Boxelder Bugs From Getting Inside
Your first line of defense against boxelder bugs is prevention. Here are some quick tips to keep boxelder bugs at bay.
Seal windows, doors, and cracks to keep them from crawling into your home. Make sure there are no entryways that bugs can crawl through.
Prune and maintain trees well, which will help reduce feeding options for bugs. Spraying your plants with natural, organic insecticides can also help.
Clean up any seeds and lawn debris, which can attract more bugs.
Use items you may already have in your kitchen to help ward off boxelder bugs. Mint, clove, sage, garlic, lavender, and eucalyptus all repel boxelder bugs. Essential oils with these scents can help.
Regularly clean your house. A cleaning schedule can help you notice any one-off bugs or traces of bugs to further prevent an infestation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do boxelder bugs live?
Boxelder bugs don't have a very long lifespan when they're inside. While they can live for up to a year, they only live for a few days (up to about a week) in homes.
They go from eggs to nymphs (they are bright red at this stage) to adults. They tend to become more active in the warmer months, as they cannot survive the colder climates. The warmer your home (or the temperatures outside in your garden), the more likely these bugs are to live longer in your space.
What time of year are boxelder bugs most prevalent?
When the weather turns cool in the fall, boxelder bugs often enter homes in large numbers, seeking warmth. They often flock to buildings with a lot of southern or western exposure, sneaking in through small cracks, gaps, and openings in walls, doors, and windows.
Once inside, boxelder bugs are more of a nuisance than a danger. They do not cause structural damage and do not get into food. The biggest annoyance (and one of the most noticeable effects of boxelder bugs indoors) is their sticky honeydew residue, which can stain light-colored surfaces.
Are boxelder bugs harmful to pets?
Boxelder bugs are not usually harmful to pets. In addition, boxelder bugs do not carry diseases and generally do not sting or bite (only rarely defensively). In rare cases, boxelder bugs may trigger allergies, mild skin irritation, and respiratory symptoms in people with allergies or sensitivities, Luca says.
Should I remove boxelder bugs from my outdoor areas?
Boxelder bugs affect outdoor and indoor spaces differently. They are generally not destructive in outdoor areas so removal is not always necessary. They suck out the juice from plants and trees, but healthy plants usually show no significant damage. (However, if you have a large number of boxelder bugs feeding on trees, it can lead to premature leaf drop.) While they most often feed on boxelder, maple, elms, and ash trees, they sometimes also feed on apples and stone fruits, like plums and cherries.
“Boxhelder bugs’ feeding behavior can result in slight leaf distortion, causing leaves to curl or crinkle,” says Luca. “While this may not have a significant impact on the health of your trees and plants, it can affect their aesthetic appeal.” Premature defoliation also weakens the affected trees and plants, which may compromise their overall health and vitality. In this case, contact a tree specialist for proper removal.
Related: 16 Plants That Repel Bugs and Mosquitoes Naturally
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