Finding hundreds of red and black bugs congregating in your home this fall? Those pesky invaders are likely boxelder bugs seeking shelter from dropping temperatures, and learning how to get rid of boxelder bugs naturally is easier than you might think.
At about half an inch long with distinctive black oval bodies and reddish-orange markings, these insects can fly up to two miles to find cozy winter accommodations in your home. Though they don’t bite, sting, or damage wood, they certainly aren’t harmless house guests. In fact, they often leave sticky residue and fecal matter that can stain your curtains, walls, and light-colored surfaces. If you’re wondering how to keep boxelder bugs away or searching for effective home remedies for boxelder bugs, you’ve come to the right place. Whether they’re clustering outside your home or already making themselves comfortable indoors, this guide will walk you through practical, natural solutions that actually work to eliminate these seasonal invaders for good.
Quick Natural Fixes for Boxelder Bugs in the House
When boxelder bugs invade your home, you need immediate solutions that work without harsh chemicals. Fortunately, you already have everything needed to tackle these red-and-black pests effectively.
Vacuum and dispose of bugs immediately
Your vacuum cleaner is your first line of defense against boxelder bugs indoors. Since these insects don’t reproduce inside your home, removing them physically is highly effective [1].
For best results:
- Use a shop vacuum with a long hose attachment for reaching bugs in corners and windowsills
- Target clusters on south and west-facing walls where bugs gather for warmth [2]
- Empty the vacuum bag or canister immediately into a sealed container outdoors
- Clean the vacuum filters with warm soapy water after use to remove any surviving bugs
For bagless vacuums, wipe down the dirt cup with a damp cloth to prevent escapees [3]. This method works especially well in winter when bugs have already made their way inside.
Spray with dish soap and water
A simple soap solution kills boxelder bugs on contact by breaking down their protective outer shell. This natural remedy is both inexpensive and environmentally friendly [4].
To make an effective boxelder bug spray:
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap to a spray bottle filled with water [5]
- Shake the mixture thoroughly to combine
- Spray directly on bugs whenever you spot them
- The bugs should die within 1-2 minutes as the solution dissolves their waxy exoskeleton [6]
This solution only works through direct contact—it won’t prevent new bugs from entering your home [6]. Keep a bottle handy in areas where you frequently spot these pests for quick treatment.
Avoid squashing to prevent stains and odor
Although it might be tempting to smash these bugs when you see them, resist the urge. Crushed boxelder bugs:
- Release a foul odor that can actually attract more bugs [7]
- Leave reddish-brown stains on walls, curtains, furniture, and carpets [8]
- Create permanent marks that are difficult to remove, especially on light-colored surfaces [9]
Instead of squashing, sweep bugs into a dustpan and dispose of them outside [9]. Alternatively, you can capture them in a tissue and flush them down the toilet or trap them in a container and release them far from your home [10].
Remember that boxelder bugs are generally harmless to humans and pets—they don’t bite, cause structural damage, or contaminate food [5]. These quick fixes will help you manage indoor invaders while you work on more permanent prevention methods.
Home Remedies That Actually Work
Image Source: Lowe’s
Beyond quick fixes, these natural remedies offer lasting protection against boxelder bugs without introducing harsh chemicals to your home environment.
Make a neem oil spray for plants
Neem oil serves as a powerful natural insecticide that disrupts the lifecycle of boxelder bugs by interfering with their growth and reproductive processes. This non-toxic solution works effectively on both indoor and outdoor plants where these pests congregate.
To create your own neem oil spray:
- Mix two tablespoons of neem oil with two cups of water
- Pour into a clean spray bottle
- Shake well before each application
- Apply directly to trees and plants where boxelder bugs gather
For concentrated commercial products, follow the package instructions—typically 2-4 tablespoons per gallon of water. The solution can be safely used up to the day of harvesting vegetables and fruits.
Use diatomaceous earth at entry points
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a fine powder made from fossilized algae that works mechanically rather than chemically. The microscopic sharp edges in DE cut into insects’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.
For effective application:
- Sprinkle a thin layer at entry points, windowsills, and bug-prone areas
- Focus on the sunlit sides of your home where bugs gather
- Wear a dust mask during application to avoid inhaling the powder
- Reapply after rain or if the treated area becomes damp
This non-toxic substance is safe for humans and pets while remaining lethal to boxelder bugs and other insects.
Try essential oils like mint and eucalyptus
Many essential oils overwhelm boxelder bugs’ sensory systems, making your home less appealing to these unwanted guests. The most effective repellents include peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, and cedarwood.
Create a simple essential oil spray by adding 10 drops of oil per cup of water in a spray bottle. Apply this mixture around windows, doorways, and other entry points. Each oil offers additional benefits—peppermint and eucalyptus provide refreshing scents, while lavender adds a calming atmosphere.
For maximum effectiveness, combine several repellent strategies. Apply diatomaceous earth at ground-level entry points, use neem oil on surrounding vegetation, and spray essential oils around windows and doors for comprehensive protection against boxelder bug invasions.
How to Prevent Boxelder Bugs from Coming Back
Image Source: All South Pest Control
The key to long-term boxelder bug control lies in making your home less accessible and your yard less attractive to these seasonal pests. With some strategic prevention methods, you can dramatically reduce future invasions.
Seal up doors, windows, and utility gaps
Creating a physical barrier is your most effective defense against boxelder bugs. These insects can squeeze through remarkably small openings, so thorough sealing is essential:
- Use silicone caulk or foam sealant to close small gaps around windows, doors, and foundation cracks
- Seal areas where cables, pipes, utility wires, and outdoor faucets enter your home
- Pay special attention to south and west-facing walls where bugs typically congregate for warmth
- Apply weatherstripping to doors and windows to eliminate tiny entry points
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors and rubber seals along garage door bottoms
For brick or stone homes, check where different building materials meet, as these junctions often have hidden gaps. Don’t seal weep holes in brick veneer, but instead install ventilation plugs available at hardware stores.
Replace or repair damaged screens
Even small tears in screens provide an open invitation to boxelder bugs:
- Inspect all window and door screens for holes, tears, or gaps
- Repair or replace damaged screens promptly before fall migration begins
- Install screens on all roof and soffit vents where bugs might enter
- Add fine mesh screening to bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans
- For older homes with double-hung windows, cover pulley openings with masking tape to block this common entry point
Clean outdoor areas and remove seed sources
Boxelder bugs are attracted to specific food sources and hiding spots around your home:
- Regularly rake and dispose of seeds from boxelder, maple, and ash trees, particularly in spring
- Clean gutters and downspouts where bugs often congregate
- Remove piles of leaves, rocks, and yard debris that provide shelter
- Keep the area around your foundation clear of vegetation for 6-10 feet, particularly on south and west sides
- Consider replacing female boxelder trees (which produce seeds) with male trees or different species
Maintaining a clean yard significantly reduces the likelihood of these pests gathering near your home in the first place.
Use natural repellents around entry zones
Create protective barriers with natural substances that boxelder bugs find repulsive:
- Spray peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender essential oil solutions around entry points
- Place cedar chips or blocks near foundation areas and entry points
- Apply diatomaceous earth in a perimeter around your home’s foundation
- Use plant-based repellents containing garlic, clove, or sage around windows and doors
- Create a 1-2 foot gravel barrier around your foundation to discourage bugs from approaching
Applying these preventive measures, particularly before the end of August when boxelder bugs begin seeking winter shelter, will significantly reduce your chances of dealing with these seasonal invaders.
When to Call a Professional for Help
Image Source: RECON Pest Services
While natural remedies often suffice for minor boxelder bug issues, certain situations call for professional intervention. Even dedicated DIY enthusiasts occasionally need expert assistance with persistent infestations.
Signs of a large or recurring infestation
Despite your best efforts, boxelder bugs sometimes return in overwhelming numbers year after year. Consider professional help if:
- You consistently see boxelder bugs inside your home throughout winter months
- Previous DIY treatments have provided only temporary relief
- Bugs appear by the hundreds or thousands on exterior walls
- You notice significant staining on walls, curtains, or furniture
- The same areas become infested each year regardless of prevention efforts
Professionals recognize infestation patterns that indicate deeper problems requiring specialized treatment.
If bugs are entering through walls or vents
Boxelder bugs frequently enter homes through hard-to-reach entry points that DIY methods simply cannot address effectively:
- Bugs emerging from wall voids, electrical outlets, or light fixtures
- Insects appearing from attic spaces or crawl areas
- Pests entering through inaccessible vents or utility penetrations
- Infestations in older homes with numerous cracks and hidden entry points
As one pest control expert notes, “There is very little that can be done once the bugs are inside the walls,” making prevention crucial.
What a pest control service can do differently
Professional pest management offers several advantages over DIY approaches:
- Targeted barrier treatments applied at optimal timing (late August to October) before bugs seek winter shelter
- Access to commercial-grade products with longer residual effects
- Precision application equipment that reaches challenging areas
- Professional-grade sealants for entry points
- Comprehensive property assessment to identify all potential entry zones
- Follow-up treatments and monitoring
For severe infestations, professionals apply residual insecticides to exterior walls—particularly south and west-facing sides—where boxelder bugs congregate before entering. Additionally, they can recommend long-term prevention strategies based on your specific property conditions.
Remember that even with professional help, some bugs may still appear indoors during warm winter days as they emerge from hibernation. However, a comprehensive professional treatment significantly reduces their numbers.
Conclusion:
Dealing with boxelder bugs effectively requires a multi-pronged approach that combines both reactive solutions and preventive measures. Though these seasonal invaders seem determined to make your home their winter retreat, you now have the knowledge to stop them in their tracks naturally.
First and foremost, tackle any existing indoor bugs with your vacuum cleaner or a simple soap spray solution. These quick fixes provide immediate relief while you implement more lasting strategies. Afterwards, focus on sealing potential entry points around your home, particularly on south and west-facing walls where these bugs typically congregate.
For long-term protection, certainly consider applying natural deterrents like diatomaceous earth, neem oil, or essential oils before fall migration begins. Additionally, maintaining a clean yard free of seed sources significantly reduces the likelihood of attracting these pests in the first place.
Despite your best efforts, particularly stubborn infestations might require professional intervention. Pest control experts can identify hidden entry points and apply targeted treatments that reach areas inaccessible to homeowners.
The battle against boxelder bugs becomes much easier when you combine these strategies with consistent vigilance. Armed with these natural solutions, you can enjoy a bug-free home throughout the seasons without resorting to harsh chemicals. Remember that timing matters—early prevention before late summer will spare you from unwelcome guests when temperatures drop.
Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs Naturally: FAQs
Q1. What are some natural ways to eliminate boxelder bugs?
Mix dish soap with water in a spray bottle and apply directly to the bugs. You can also use diatomaceous earth around entry points or spray neem oil on affected plants. Vacuuming is an effective method for removing bugs indoors.
Q2. Which scents repel boxelder bugs?
Boxelder bugs dislike strong scents like peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and citrus. You can use essential oils or plant herbs like mint and rosemary around your home to deter these pests.
Q3. How can I prevent boxelder bugs from entering my home?
Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation. Install or repair screens on windows and vents. Keep your yard clean by removing fallen seeds and debris, especially from boxelder and maple trees.
Q4. Are boxelder bugs harmful to humans or pets?
Boxelder bugs don’t bite, sting, or carry diseases. However, they can leave stains on surfaces and may attract other pests. While not dangerous, large infestations can be a nuisance in homes.
Q5. When should I consider professional pest control for boxelder bugs?
If you consistently see large numbers of boxelder bugs inside your home throughout winter, or if DIY methods haven’t been effective, it may be time to call a professional. Experts can identify hidden entry points and apply targeted treatments for severe infestations.
References
[1] – https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/boxelder-bugs
[2] – https://www.thespruce.com/black-and-red-boxelder-bugs-2656452
[3] – https://www.bhg.com/gardening/pests/get-rid-of-boxelder-bugs/
[4] – https://www.ecoguardpestmanagement.com/pest-resources/how-to-get-rid-of-boxelder-bugs
[5] – https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/how-to-get-rid-of-boxelder-bugs
[6] – https://myheavenlyrecipes.com/boxelder-bug-killer-spray/
[7] – https://drkilligans.com/blogs/insects/3-ways-to-get-rid-of-boxelder-bugs-and-4-ways-to-prevent-them?srsltid=AfmBOoqFufBU2T0zxXWXa5dw2ccv-rmygPfhLGZ-M5O40t4BbLeyqKbf
[8] – https://www.bathgardencenter.com/post/boxelder-bug-facts-and-tips
[9] – https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/what-are-boxelder-bugs-also-why-you-should-never-squash-them-1.6777278
[10] – https://www.realsimple.com/how-to-get-rid-of-boxelder-bugs-7644252
