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How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published January 21, 2025

Boxelder bugs, also known as box bugs, are small reddish-brown insects with an oval, black body. These insects become a household nuisance during winter when they congregate in large numbers.​ Read on to learn

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Methods to Exterminate Boxelder Bugs

Use these methods to exterminate boxelder bugs and prevent them from entering your home.

Method 1: Make a Soap Spray

A spray made from soap and water is a simple way to exterminate boxelder bugs. Add two tablespoons of liquid dishwashing soap to one liter of water in a spray bottle and shake to combine. Spray this solution directly on any bugs you see. The soap will dissolve the bugs' waxy outer layer, leading to dehydration.

Method 2: Use a Neem Oil Spray

To get rid of boxelder bugs, spray neem oil on the affected indoor and outdoor plants or directly on the bugs. The oil will act as a natural insecticide, repelling the bugs and killing them within a few hours. Some essential oils, like peppermint and eucalyptus, also work as natural repellents to ward off boxelder bugs.

Method 3: Vacuum the Bugs

When crushed, these bugs can give off an unpleasant odor and their orange-ish innards can stain walls and carpets. Vacuuming is a less messy way to eradicate these bugs. Remember to empty the vacuum into a sealed container immediately and clean the inside of the vacuum with a damp cloth in case any bugs try to crawl out. Alternatively, you can directly sweep these bugs into a bucket of soapy water, eliminating them effectively.

Method 4: Diatomaceous Earth

To learn how to exterminate boxelder bugs effectively, you can make use of diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is an insecticide that can kill and prevent the entry of boxelder bugs into your home. Spread a thin layer at entry points such as doors, window sills, cracks and other bug-prone areas. This insecticide will cause dehydration in boxelder bugs and eliminate them without the need for any harsh chemicals.

Caution

For safety and best results, it is important to read and follow the instructions on the label of a diatomaceous earth insecticide.

Method 5: Seal Cracks Around Doors and Windows

Sealing cracks around doors and windows is the best way to prevent boxelder bugs from entering your home. Use silicone caulk or weatherstripping to seal up any apparent cracks in your home. Make sure there are no entryways bugs can crawl through. Check for any openings around vents or mesh screens and seal them, too.

Method 6: Removing Hiding Spaces

Boxelder bugs tend to hide in piles of leaves, rocks and overgrown bushes. To keep them away, regularly clean up these areas and prune your tree well to reduce feeding options. Boxelder and maple trees are significant attractions for these bugs. If you have these trees in your yard, consider replacing them with trees that are less appealing to these pests. Spraying your trees and plants with natural insecticide will also help in preventing these bugs from congregating.

Now that you know how to get rid of boxelder bugs, it is essential to note that these bugs are not harmful to humans or pets. They do not cause structural damage and do not get into food. In rare cases, boxelder bugs might cause mild allergies and skin irritation. They are more of a nuisance than a danger. As spring arrives, these bugs will naturally make their way outside again, where they belong.

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