Boxelder bugs may not harm your home the way termites or rodents do, but they can be a serious nuisance. These black-and-orange insects, often found basking in the fall sun, are infamous for making their way into homes in search of warmth. While their presence isn’t dangerous, avoiding an infestation is undoubtedly better than dealing with dozens of bugs crawling around your space.

This blog will guide you through practical and effective tips for preventing boxelder bugs from invading your home. Whether you’re already seeing a few or just want to stay ahead of the problem, these strategies will help keep your home bug-free.

What Are Boxelder Bugs?

Before jumping into prevention, it’s worth understanding a bit about these pesky insects. Boxelder bugs, scientifically known as Boisea trivittata, are small bugs (about half an inch long) with black bodies marked by red or orange lines. They get their name because they primarily feed on the seeds of boxelder trees, as well as other maples and ash trees.

While they don’t cause structural damage to homes or pose health risks, their tendency to gather in large groups indoors can be overwhelming. Plus, their excrement can stain walls, curtains, and furniture, which makes prevention critical.

Boxelder bugs typically appear during the spring and summer months outdoors, but when temperatures drop in autumn, they scurry inside through windows, doors, and cracks to seek shelter. Without intervention, you could find yourself sharing your home with hundreds of uninvited guests come winter.

Why Prevention is Better Than Removal

Once boxelder bugs find a way into your home, getting rid of them can be a bit of a hassle. If squished, they emit a foul odor, and their droppings can permanently stain certain materials. That’s why prevention is the best approach. By taking proactive measures, you’ll save yourself the effort of dealing with an infestation and the potential damage they might leave behind.

The good news? All it takes is some preparation, sealing, and maintenance to keep these bugs out for good.

1. Seal All Entry Points

The first step to keeping boxelder bugs out is to close off the entryways they might use to sneak indoors. These insects are tiny and can squeeze through even the smallest gaps in your home’s exterior. Here’s what to do:

Inspect Doors and Windows

• Check for gaps or cracks around doors and windows. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal these spaces effectively.
• Replace torn window screens, as boxelder bugs can crawl through the smallest tears.

Seal Cracks and Holes in Your Home’s Exterior

• Examine your home’s foundation, siding, and walls for any cracks. Use silicone or latex caulk to seal them tightly.
• Don’t forget areas like vents, utility openings, and chimney gaps, as these are often overlooked entry points.

A thorough sealing will significantly reduce the chances of boxelder bugs sneaking inside.

2. Install Proper Outdoor Lighting

Did you know that these bugs are attracted to light? While you don’t have to live in the dark, switching your exterior lighting to bug-friendly options can make a difference.

Use yellow LED lights for outdoor spaces rather than traditional white bulbs. These lights are less attractive to many insects, including boxelder bugs. Another tip? Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights near windows and doors in the evenings.

3. Clear the Surrounding Area

Boxelder bugs often congregate near foundations, so maintaining a clean and clear area around your home is key. Here’s what you can do:

• Remove weeds and grass clippings. These give bugs a place to gather.
• Trim overhanging branches. Boxelder trees, maples, and ashes can be a prime food source for these pests. Cutting them back reduces their access to your home.
• Move firewood stacks away from your house. They make a cozy spot for boxelder bugs to hide and multiply.

A clean perimeter creates a buffer zone between your home and these unwelcome pests.

4. Keep Outdoor Spaces Dry

Boxelder bugs are often attracted to damp, moisture-laden areas. Reducing moisture around your property will make it far less appealing to them.

• Fix any leaky outdoor faucets or pipes.
• Ensure that gutters and downspouts are draining water away from your home’s foundation.
• Avoid overwatering garden plants near the foundation of your house.

Taking steps to keep your yard dry will also reduce the attraction for other pests, such as mosquitoes and centipedes.

5. Use Natural Deterrents

If boxelder bugs have already started gathering on your property, you can use natural repellents to drive them away. Here are some effective, non-toxic methods:

• Soap and Water Solution: Mix water with a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle and douse any bugs you see on windowsills or walls. This mixture kills them on contact without the need for harmful chemicals.
• Essential Oils: Boxelder bugs dislike strong scents like peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil. Create a spray using a few drops of essential oil diluted in water, and use it around windows and entry points.

These natural remedies are safe for pets, kids, and the environment.

6. Consider Professional Help If Necessary

If the infestation becomes overwhelming, or if boxelder bugs continue to find their way into your home despite your efforts, consider reaching out to a pest control professional. Experienced exterminators can remove an infestation and apply preventative treatments to keep bugs from returning.

Look for environmentally friendly pest control options if you’d like to minimize chemical exposure while still effectively managing these bugs.

Enjoy a Boxelder Bug-Free Home

Preventing boxelder bugs from sneaking into your home may require some effort upfront, but it’s worth it for a peaceful, pest-free space. By sealing cracks, clearing your yard, and maintaining your property, you can stop these pesky insects in their tracks.

Take action now before the bugs start to appear. Trust us, your future self will thank you!