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Your house is supposed to be your oasis, but nothing can ruin this feeling of security as finding a new bug (or two or three) in your space. An infestation of Boxelder bugs can be particularly overwhelming - they generally arrive in large numbers, and they are much larger than parasites like Fruit flies or ants. If you are wondering how to get rid of boxelder bugs, continue to read. We asked the most effective methods of the pest control pros.

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What are the Boxelder bugs?

"Appointed according to the Boxelder tree where they are commonly found, the Bogs Boxelder are real bugs '' in the scientific order will hemipte, the same order as the stinking bugs, the stars and the aphids," Emma Grace Crumble , an expert entomologist who works with Mosquito squad . "These real insects are strictly herbivores, and their piercing / sucking oral pieces allow them to attack and eat seeds and boxwood leaves as well as fruit trees."

How can I identify Boxelder bugs?

These critters have a separate look. Adult boxing insects measure about half a long and long and orange or red marks, including three stripes in the head behind the head. The nymphs measure approximately 1/16 inch long; They are bright red in their foreground and change in red and black as they grow up.

They are also known for their somewhat unpleasant odor. Boxelder Bugs publishes a chemical which acts as a defense mechanism against predators - and yes, it is quite spicy.

Where do Boxelder bugs generally nest?

In the spring, Boxelder insects will emerge from their winter hiding places to find food and nest nearby. "They eat maple seeds, ashes and boxing trees," said Megan WEDE , co -owner of Well -made pest solutions in twin cities. "They will nest in and around these trees in spring, summer and fall." You will sometimes see them tan on the coating of houses and businesses or on the bark of a maple.

At the end of fall, these pests are starting to look for a blanket. "They sing themselves on the sunny parts of the houses during the day, then they crawl in cracks and crevices, under the coating, and in window frames and doors of houses and businesses," explains Wede . "It is in the wall of empty houses and businesses where these boxlder bugs spend winter."

Many people will start to notice them for a period that Wede says that antiparasitic wrestling companies call "False Spring", or when the sun warms on one side of your house so that insects wake up and go to it. "For the moment, it's still cold [in many places], so they go inside your home, which your furnace heats up to a beautiful temperature - and you think:" Why do I have these insects in this moment ?! '"

Wede explains that you probably had them since fall but just didn't know it.

Are the Boxelder bugs harmful?

Not in the typical sense. Boxlder bugs "cannot bite you in the same way as something like a wasp or an ant could, and you will not catch them to chew on your home or your furniture," said Charles Van Rees , PHD, conservation scientist, naturalist and founder of the Gulo blog in nature .

They are not dangerous for people, plants or structures, but they can color surfaces with their excrement. In addition, they can create a foul odor when threatened or dead, although it is not harmful.

What attracts boxelder bugs to your home?

As mentioned, some of the greatest attractors are the trees Maple and Female Boxelder, where these pests like to feast on and nest. Seed pods and helicopters are a main food source, so leaving a pile on the ground can attract pests. Boxelder bugs also gather around sunny surfaces. (Unfortunately, we too many of us!)

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Get rid of boxes

Residual pesticides

Each of the experts in the fight against the pests with whom we discussed considers that it is the gold stallion to control the boxing bugs and keep them out of your house.

"It is a direct killing when it is wet at the time of the application, then it is a residual chemical which lasts the length of the season which will detach themselves on the thighs of insects and will kill them, preventing them from entering your home, "said Wede. "This is possible thanks to micro-enchanting technology which is used in a large part of the farm-based and approved antiparasitic control products."

In addition, it dries clearly and has no harmful effect on people, children, pets or structures. Call an expert to do it at home.

Dishwasher soap

Display soap can be useful, but you will have to be diligent with a reapplication. "If you want to use dish soap to prevent Boxelder Bugs from entering your home in the fall, I recommend that you use a portable sprayer and cover your home several times a week to prevent them from entering the wall Said Wede. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

If they are already at home, a repeated application will kill the bugs and you can suck them. "The disadvantage is that this method is generally a lot of work," says Wede.

But it is particularly useful for use on edible plants that you do not want to extinguish in chemicals.

Vinegar

A solution made of vinegar one by one of the vinegar and water can kill boxers insects when sprayed directly on it. However, Joe Malinowski , vice-president of pest management for Antiparasitic authority , explains that this is not a long -term solution. "He must be considered a preliminary defense measure," he said.

Essential oils

Essential oils such as lavender, sage, lemongrass and peppermint can also help dissuade Boxelder bugs.

"Oil can be sprayed around the house," explains James Adams , regional director for Really Nolen Pest Control . "Unfortunately, they do not last long outside and should be reapplicated frequently." These substances will not kill insects either, they will keep them away.

Diatom's land

This Talc type powder is harmless for humans but can kill boxelder insects. Sprinkle it on the areas where insects enter your home or around the trees to which they flock.

Hot water

Boiling water will kill these insects in contact. But remember, that will not prevent them from coming back and could harm humans or to plant life if it is used outside.

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How can I prevent boxelder bugs from coming back?

Seal your entries

This prevents pests from entering inside. "Seal the cracks and crevices around the windows, the doors, the side on the side and Erika Milenkovic , Owner of Pest . "And ensure that window screens are intact and well -adjusted."

Frags patch

"Boxer insects can squeeze any 1/8 thumb or more opening opening, so half the size of a pencil gum," said Wede. "You can go around the foundation and around all the window frames and door frames, ensuring that there are no 1/8 inch diameter gaps."

However, she says that a preventive anti -drip spray is much easier because the patchage of cracks of this size is extremely heavy.

Empty and clean

You will have to take a vacuum outside for it.

"If you have one of these maple seeds along the rocky gardens or around the basics of your home, one thing simple to do each year is to vacuum them," explains Wede. "This eliminates their food source, and if they do not have a food source, they will switch to another tree in another courtyard and far from your house, thus preventing these wintering autumn invaders in your home . "

Remove wood batteries

These batteries are known to attract boxelder insects because they offer both food and shelter.

Get rid of Boxelder trees

These trees are the main attractive, so eliminate them can be effective in preventing infestation. Remember that you cannot withdraw all the boxlder trees in your neighborhood, so the abandonment of that of your court may not reduce the impact of the sites of your neighbors.

These are not only Boxelder trees to consider. "Keep the shrubs cut from 18 to 24 inches because they can give insects an easy" scale "to enter your home," advises Malinowski. "The same goes for trees: withdraw the overhanging trees from the line of roof and an easy access point for parasites and rodents. "

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Conclusion

Decide how to get rid of boxlder bugs in the house depends on your preferences. Many experts suggest calling a professional antiparasitic control company to use a commercial quality boxing insect control spray, but you can also use DIY solutions. Finally, prevention of Boxelder bugs is important. Keep your courtyard tidy and free from attractors for best results.