How can I eradicate Box Elder Bugs?

Question

I know the basics, as we've had them in another location. But we have a baby due, and these pests are in and out of our house. Somebody please help.

Answer 1

I'm sorry, but the only effective method is to eradicate the trees. Box elder bugs have developed high resistance to all but the most toxic insecticides. You can kill off 95 percent of them, but you'll need to tent the trees, build dikes around the base of the trees (to prevent runoff) and pay an exterminator to do the job. But usually in one or two seasons the bugs are right back. The only way to permanently get rid of the bugs is to get rid of the trees.

Answer 2

Yeah, they like Box Elders and Goldenrain trees.
They overwinter in your home, in the attic or between walls coming out in spring when the weather warms up. Lovely thought, huh?

They are rather resistant to the usual pesticides, especially now in this adult form. Only action now is the vacuum. I'd use a shop vac, not the household Hoover. Squirt some Raid or somesuch in after vacuuming and then when dead, bag and throw away.

To prevent them coming back into the house next September or so, check all the cracks and crevices around the house that lead inside. Foundation cracks, window chaulking, vent screens missing or torn...........pretend you are a bug and looking for a warm winter place to hibernate. Now seal all those area so the critters can't get in.

This is where professional exterminators would apply chemicals.....outside by September 1st to catch the bugs coming in.

Also eliminate all trash around the yard that may also provide hibernation spots...........and look to removing any nearby boxelders and goldenrain trees....if you can.

Answer 3

WE to have this problem were coming through the vents in the house,,but neighbours driveway was lined with cedar trees,,once he fully disposed of these tree,,the bugs went with them,,thank god,,are pesky littly creatures,,,so trim down and or remove all cedar trees that are close to the house