Q&A for How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs Outside

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Will box elders leave or die out in the winter months?

Community Answer

No. They just seem to hide. They come back out in full force when the warmer months arrive.

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Question

What spray can I use in my flower beds to get rid of boxelder bugs?

Community Answer

Soapy water and pyrethrin.

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Question

How do I get rid of a nest of them by my front door area?

Community Answer

A good shop-vac sucks them up with ease. You may have to repeat the process over the course of a few weeks, but will notice a large drop after three or four times doing this.

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Question

What if my wall is covered with the bugs and nothing I have tried is working to get rid of them?

Community Answer

Use a spray bottle of dish detergent and water. Spray it on the bugs and they will eventually just drop and die. You can use this on them anytime in their growth cycle, from baby to adult.

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Question

Why do they gather on my brick house on the south side?

Community Answer

They like the warmth of the sun and usually gather on south- and west-facing walls.

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Question

Are they attracted to bricks? I have frequently seen them on or around bricks.

Community Answer

They like to be on any surface facing the sun -- wood or bricks help them stay warm..

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Question

How do I get them out of the walls of my house?

Community Answer

Boxelder Bugs love to hide behind siding (or any other opening) for the winter. You'll need to get rid of them in the spring or fall when they are on the move. The soap/water solution works wonderfully. You spray them and they just drop to the ground and die; a perfect, non-toxic (except for the bugs) solution that is environmentally safe.

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Question

Does the boxelder infest pine trees too? This picture looks very similar to the ones hiding in the bark of my mature pine tree.

Community Answer

Quite possible. Boxelder bugs seem to be adaptive -- I have them on maple, water oak, river willow, and pine trees. My neighbor has lost three pine trees to them.

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Question

Do they bite humans? They fly at and land on me but I have not been bitten, yet.

Community Answer

It says they have a low chance of biting. If you do get bitten, you will only have a slight irritation on the bite area.

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Are they harmful to pets or humans?

Community Answer

Boxelder bugs are non poisonous, meaning they won't kill you or your pet(s). They have a low chance of biting. If you do get bitten, you will only have a slight irritation on the bite area.

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Question

Why do I keep finding these bugs in my swimming pool?

StuRat

Community Answer

Many insects accidentally hit the water when flying, then can't get out. So they will eventually drown, unless they find their way to an edge and climb out first.

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Question

How do I get rid of boxelder bugs outside without killing them?

Community Answer

You don't. If you don't kill them, they will overwinter somewhere on your property and come out next spring twice as bad.

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Question

How far can boxelder bugs fly?

Community Answer

Up to a mile if prevailing winds are in their favor. After a pit stop they can repeat this act numerous times.

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Question

Will boxelder bugs harm my pets or flowers?

Community Answer

No, they are not harmful to people/pets or to plants. However, they can be a nuisance when they congregate in large numbers, and they can find their way into your house during the colder months.

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