Dealing with boxelder bugs in your garden can be a frustrating challenge, especially during their active seasons. These insects can quickly multiply and become a nuisance around homes and plants, but there are several effective methods to manage and reduce their presence without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Therefore, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively get rid of boxelder bugs in your garden using natural and practical approaches.
1. Remove Boxelder Trees
Removing boxelder trees from your garden or property is a strategic approach to reducing the attractiveness of your environment to adult and baby boxelder bug. These bugs primarily feed on the seeds, leaves, and sap of boxelder trees and sometimes other maple species. By eliminating or reducing the number of boxelder trees in your garden or near your property, you remove a significant food source that attracts and sustains boxelder bug populations.
As boxelder bugs often migrate from boxelder trees to nearby buildings and gardens in search of shelter or food, removing these trees can help reduce the likelihood of large numbers of boxelder bugs congregating near your home.
Sealing entry points to get rid of boxelder bugs is crucial to prevent them from infiltrating your home or garden. These pests often find their way indoors through small cracks, gaps around windows and doors, utility penetrations, vents, and any other openings in your home's exterior. By meticulously sealing these entry points, you create a barrier significantly reducing the chances of boxelder bugs gaining access to indoor spaces.
Start by thoroughly inspecting the exterior of your home and look for any gaps or openings where insects could potentially enter. Common areas to check include around window frames, door thresholds, siding edges, and where utility pipes and cables enter the building. Use a good quality silicone or latex-based caulk to fill in these gaps.
3. Physical Removal
To begin, inspect areas where boxelder bugs tend to congregate. They often gather on the leaves, stems, and branches of boxelder trees, as well as on nearby walls, fences, or other structures. So, look for clusters of bugs basking in the sun or moving along surfaces. When handpicking boxelder bugs, it's helpful to wear gloves to protect your hands.
Use a gentle touch to avoid damaging plants or accidentally crushing the bugs, which can release their pungent odor. Gently grasp each bug between your thumb and forefinger. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can cause the bug to release its defensive odor or stain surfaces with its excrement. Once you have collected the bugs, you can dispose of them in soap water.
Pruning infested plants is a targeted approach to managing boxelder bugs in your garden. By removing the parts of plants where boxelder bugs congregate, you can directly reduce their numbers and minimize their impact on your garden's overall health.
These pests often gather on boxelder trees, as well as on other nearby plants such as maples. Look for clusters of bugs on the leaves, stems, and branches. So, start by identifying which plants are infested with boxelder bugs. When pruning, focus on removing the specific branches or sections of plants where boxelder bugs are present. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make precise cuts.
5. Use Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap works by disrupting the outer cell membranes of insects, causing dehydration and ultimately leading to their death. It is an effective and environmental friendly way to tackle boxelder be it red and black bugs in garden. Thoroughly spray the affected plants, focusing on areas where boxelder bugs are present.
Also, ensure you cover both the upper and lower surfaces of leaves, as well as stems and branches where bugs may hide. As insecticidal soap works through direct contact, so it may be necessary to repeat applications every 7-10 days or as directed on the product label. This helps to target newly hatched nymphs or adult bugs that were not affected by previous treatments.
6. Neem Oil Spray
Derived from the neem tree, neem oil has insecticidal properties and acts as a repellent against many pests, including boxelder bugs. Apply the neem oil spray directly on plants where boxelder bugs are present, focusing on areas where bugs congregate or feed, such as around boxelder or maple trees.
Neem oil works by disrupting the insect's hormonal balance and feeding habits, eventually leading to their demise. So, reapply the spray every 7-14 days, especially after rain or heavy watering, to maintain its effectiveness. To use neem oil effectively, mix it with water according to the instructions on the product label and pour it into a spray bottle.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural and effective substance used in pest control, including for managing boxelder bugs in gardens. It is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms, which have a sharp, abrasive texture that is just perfect to get rid of black and red bugs.
When insects come into contact with diatomaceous earth, it scratches their outer layer, causing them to dehydrate and die. This makes DE a mechanical rather than chemical insecticide, making it safer for humans, pets, and beneficial insects when used correctly.
8. Use a Vacuum Cleaner
A handheld or standard vacuum with a hose attachment can be used to quickly and efficiently collect boxelder bugs from walls, windows, floors, and other surfaces where they gather. This method is particularly useful for dealing with larger numbers of bugs or for hard-to-reach areas where handpicking may be challenging.
To use a vacuum cleaner for removing boxelder bugs, start by identifying areas where the bugs are congregating. Turn on the vacuum and gently run the hose attachment over the bugs, carefully sucking them into the vacuum’s collection chamber. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag or canister promptly after use to prevent the bugs from escaping back into your home.
For outdoor use, ensure the vacuum is suitable for dry conditions and avoid vacuuming up wet bugs or debris that could clog the machine.
9. Introduce Natural Predators
Natural predators are organisms that naturally prey upon pests, helping to keep their populations in check without the need for chemical interventions. By attracting or fostering populations of these predators, you can create a more balanced and resilient environment where pest outbreaks are naturally regulated.
Examples of natural predators that target boxelder bugs include certain species of birds such as chickadees and nuthatches, which feed on insects they find on plants and trees. Additionally, predatory insects like assassin bugs and spiders can also play a role in controlling boxelder bug populations by hunting and consuming them.
Beneficial insects are organisms that provide valuable services such as predation, parasitism, pollination, and decomposition, which contribute to the overall health and balance of your garden ecosystem. Examples of beneficial insects include ladybugs (ladybird beetlescs inside pests, including boxelder bugs, which helps reduce their populations.
By attracting and supporting populations of these beneficial insects through habitat enhancement and avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides that can harm them, you can effectively eliminate these pesky orange black bugs.
11. Use Sticky Traps
Sticky traps are effective tools for monitoring and controlling boxelder bugs in gardens and homes. These traps consist of adhesive-coated surfaces that attract insects and trap them upon contact. To use sticky traps for boxelder bugs, place them in areas where bugs are active, such as around boxelder or maple trees, on walls, or near windows and doors where bugs may enter buildings.
When using sticky traps, ensure they are positioned vertically on surfaces or hung in areas where boxelder bugs are likely to crawl or congregate. The traps should be placed strategically and securely to maximize their effectiveness. Regularly check and replace the traps as needed, especially when they become covered with bugs, dust, or debris, which can reduce their adhesive properties.
Additionally, consider using scent lures or pheromones designed to attract boxelder bugs to enhance the traps' effectiveness.
12. Remove Debris
Debris such as fallen leaves, mulch, and other organic matter provide hiding places and shelter for boxelder bugs, making it easier for them to thrive and multiply. By regularly cleaning and removing debris, you can eliminate these harborage sites and reduce the likelihood of boxelder bugs establishing large populations in your garden.
So, clear out any mulch or dead plant material that can serve as hiding spots for bugs. Additionally, keep garden beds and pathways clear of clutter and overgrown vegetation where boxelder bugs may seek shelter. By maintaining a clean and tidy garden environment, you create less favorable conditions for boxelder bugs and make it easier to detect and manage any infestations promptly.
Using essential oils like peppermint, lavender, tea tree, and citrus oils such as lemon or orange can be an effective natural remedy for deterring boxelder bugs from your garden or home. These essential oils contain compounds that insects find unpleasant due to their strong scents.
To utilize essential oils, mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply the solution to areas where boxelder bugs are active, such as around windows, doors, or on plants where they congregate.
14. Row Covers
Row covers are lightweight, breathable fabrics made from materials like polyester or polypropylene. They are a useful tool in integrated pest management strategies for protecting plants from boxelder bugs and other pests.
It is one of the best boxelder bugs repellent that creates a physical barrier over plants, preventing insects from reaching and damaging them while still allowing sunlight, air, and moisture to penetrate. To use row covers effectively against boxelder bugs, drape the cover over rows of plants or individual plants that are susceptible to infestation.
15. Spray with Rubbing Alcohol
Using rubbing alcohol as a spray to control pests like boxelder bugs is a straightforward and effective method that can be implemented carefully. Rubbing alcohol, typically isopropyl alcohol is known for its ability to kill insects on contact due to its drying properties. Here’s how you can use it effectively:
Firstly, prepare a solution of rubbing alcohol and water and transfer it into a spray bottle. When applying the spray, focus on areas where boxelder bugs are concentrated, such as around windows, doorways, or directly on the bugs themselves. The alcohol will quickly kill them by dissolving their outer layer and causing them to dehydrate.
But, be cautious when spraying on plants, as alcohol can also damage some sensitive foliage.
Some chicken breeds, such as Sussex, Orpingtons, and Australorps, are known for their insect-hunting abilities. For ducks, breeds like Khaki Campbells and Indian Runners are particularly good at foraging. So, if you have the resources to, try raising poultry to get rid of the bug without a hassle.
By integrating chickens or ducks into your gardening ecosystem, you not only gain effective pest control but also benefit from their eggs, meat, and contribution to soil fertility through their manure. It's a sustainable and rewarding approach to managing pests like boxelder bugs in your garden.
17. Herbicide Treatment
Herbicides are typically designed to kill or inhibit plant growth and can also affect non-target organisms. If you decide to use herbicides, choose products specifically labeled for controlling insects like boxelder bugs, as these formulations are designed to be less harmful to plants and safer for use in gardens.
Before applying any herbicide, carefully read and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding dosage, application methods, safety precautions, and environmental considerations. Applying herbicides during calm weather conditions is also crucial to prevent drift and ensure the product reaches its intended target. Additionally, to minimize unintended harm, avoid spraying herbicides near water sources or areas where beneficial insects, pets, or wildlife are frequent.
18. Use Garlic Spray
Garlic spray is a natural and effective way to repel boxelder bugs from your garden. Yes, this spice has more than just a flavor to offer. While the same pungent odor on our food is amazing, it acts as a deterrent, discouraging boxelder bugs from settling in your garden without harming plants or the environment.
To make garlic spray, blend several cloves of garlic with water and strain the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the solution on plants and areas where boxelder bugs congregate, focusing on windows, doors, and entry points. Also, reapply the spray after rain or as needed to maintain its effectiveness throughout the season.
Using hot water is a simple and immediate method to control boxelder bugs in specific areas of your garden or on hard surfaces like sidewalks and walls. Boil water and carefully pour it directly on clusters of boxelder bugs or their eggs. The heat will quickly kill them on contact. This method is effective for spot treatments and can be particularly useful for reducing populations around entry points into your home or in concentrated areas where boxelder bugs gather.
Take caution when handling hot water to avoid burns, and ensure it is poured directly on the insects without splashing onto plants or sensitive surfaces. While effective for immediate control, hot water is a non-chemical method that is safe for plants and environmentally friendly, making it a preferred option for those seeking natural pest management solutions.
20. Seek Professional Help
Professional pest control services can offer expertise in identifying the extent of the infestation and implementing effective treatment strategies tailored to your specific situation. When considering professional help for boxelder bugs, look for licensed pest control companies with experience managing similar pest problems.
They can employ various methods, from targeted insecticide applications to integrated pest management techniques that minimize environmental impact. Professionals also have access to products and tools that may not be readily available to homeowners, ensuring thorough and efficient pest control.
