Boxelder Bug Management Guide

Boxelder bugs can be a problem in gardens, yards, and homes. In spring and summer, they spend their time outdoors, feeding on the juice from leaves and seeds of trees and plants. In autumn, boxelder bugs head inside in search of a warm place to overwinter. Implementing preventative techniques and using the right pest control products can you to keep these bugs away. We’ve gathered information to help you prevent and eliminate a boxelder bug infestation. 

Boxelder bugs are active in spring and summer, often being spotted in yards and gardens. These bugs are attracted to boxelder trees and will feed on their sap and seeds. Other trees, such as maple trees and fruit trees, are attractive to them too. Their feeding can cause discoloration and leaf curl. Boxelder bugs can also be a problem in homes in fall and winter. They gather on the sunny side of houses and buildings before slipping indoors. Once inside, they will find secluded areas to hide including in cracks and crevices, wall voids, and attics. They will remain dormant until temperatures begin to rise in spring. You’re likely to see them in homes as they try to make their way back outdoors. Infestations can be large because these bugs release pheromones that alert other bugs to their location. 

Seal Entry Points: If boxelder bugs can’t find a way into your home, they won’t be a problem. You’ll want to examine your house for spots where they could get in. Seal any cracks or gaps you find. If your door or window screens are damaged, repair or replace them. Make sure weather stripping and door sweeps are in good condition. Don’t forget to seal gaps where utility lines enter your home.

Watch Your Trees: Boxelder trees will attract boxelder bugs to your yard. To help prevent an infestation, you’ll want to remove any fallen seeds. If you choose to plant a boxelder tree, choose a non-seed-bearing species to avoid attracting these bugs.

Spray Them with Water: If you notice boxelder bugs gathering on your house, you can take steps to remove them before they can sneak inside. Use your garden hose to knock them down. The pressure of the water will dislodge them and this will help to deter them from returning. You can also spray them if you spot them on your trees.

Vacuum: If boxelder bugs end up in your home, you can remove them with your vacuum. After vacuuming, empty the contents of the vacuum into a sealed bag. Dispose of the bag in an outdoor trash bin with a tight-fitting lid. 

Pest control products can help to prevent and control a boxelder bug infestation. Maggie’s Farm has several products that can help to keep these pests from taking over your space.

Plant-Based Insecticide Sprays

Our Home Bug Spray, Yard Bug Spray, and Beetle & Boxelder Bug Killer are labeled to control these bugs. Our Home Bug Spray and Yard Bug Spray are formulated using plant oils as the active ingredients. They kill boxelder bugs directly sprayed with the product. They can also be used for perimeter applications to help to deter these pests from entering your home. Our Beetle & Boxelder Bug Killer can be used to protect your trees and plants from boxelder bugs. It will kill all life stages of boxelder bugs including their eggs. It is formulated using pyrethrins and canola oil as the active ingredients.

Application Tips

Our Home Bug Spray can be used to spot treat boxelder bugs in your home. It can also be used to treat areas where these bugs congregate, rest, and hide. For a perimeter application, spray window frames and doorways, openings where utilities enter your home, and possible pest entry points.

Our Yard Bug Spray can be applied to lawns, trees, and vegetation where boxelder bugs are found. For a perimeter treatment, spray the lower portions of the foundation to about three feet out. You’ll want to avoid spraying the siding of your home. Pay particular attention to areas with mulch beds adjacent to the foundation. For best results, be sure to keep your vegetation trimmed back away from the foundation.

To treat plants and trees with our Beetle & Boxelder Bug Killer, you’ll want to thoroughly spray them. Avoid wetting plants to the point of runoff or drip. You do not want to apply more than 20 fl oz per 100 sq ft per application. Treatment may be repeated in 1–2 weeks if needed.

Having boxelder bugs settling down in your home and yard isn’t ideal. To get rid of these bugs, you’ll want to implement preventative measures and use the right pest control products.