Boxelder bugs are beetle-like insects named after the boxelder trees they love. Boxelder bugs are harmless to humans, but they are a nuisance around the home—particularly in fall when the weather turns cool. Even in warm weather, you might spot them basking in the sun on the exterior of your home. We asked experts to share DIY solutions that successfully repel pesky boxelder bugs from any home.
- Matt Rogers is co-founder and CEO of Pestie, a Utah-based company offering DIY, pro-grade pest solutions.
- Melissa Neitzke is the general manager of Wildlife Management Services in Minnesota.
What Are Boxelder Bugs?
Boxelder bugs are North American pests that look similar to beetles—but aren’t. “Boxelder bugs are a part of the ‘true bug’ family, closely related to stink bugs and cicadas,” says Matt Rogers, CEO of Pestie.
Adult boxelder bugs are black with red lines on their almond-shaped body. They have overlapping wings, six legs, red eyes, and antennae with four segments. About ½ inch long when fully grown, they suck juices from plants and seeds. Although they are attracted to boxelder trees, they also feed on maple, elm, and ash trees.
“As with stink bugs, boxelder bugs emit a strong odor when crushed or roughly handled,” says Melissa Neitzke of Wildlife Management Services. They migrate indoors based on the weather. They are outdoors in the spring and summer and go inside during the late fall to stay warm through the winter. “Most often, they make their way in through small cracks on homes, especially around windows and doors,” says Neitzke.
Does Dish Soap Repel Boxelder Bugs?
A dish soap and water solution repels boxelder bugs. This remedy involves adding 2 Tbsp. of dish soap to a bottle filled with water and spraying the boxelder bugs directly. “This assists in breaking down the protective layer on the outside of their bodies, causing them to dehydrate,” Neitzke says. This DIY technique is also effective when used on other bugs, including aphids and caterpillars.
However, while this method eliminates the boxelder bugs directly targeted, it doesn’t solve the pest issue completely. “It may kill a few you find in your home, but more will keep coming in,” Rogers adds. To get rid of boxelder bugs effectively, homeowners must target them at the source.
How to Effectively Repel or Kill Boxelder Bugs
The best way to repel boxelder bugs is to stop them from getting inside in the first place. “Sealing any cracks and crevices on the home is the best way to prevent boxelder bugs from entering,” says Neitzke. This type of sealing includes repairing or replacing damaged window or door screens and installing door sweeps. “You can also establish a chemical insect barrier around your property to help repel boxelder bugs,” Rogers adds.
If you seal entry points around the home but still have boxelder bugs inside, using homemade or commercial removal methods can help. “If they get inside your home, physically remove them with a vacuum, broom and dustpan, or paper towel,” Rogers says. The boxelder bugs won’t harm you if they’re indoors, but they congregate in numbers.
Be sure to empty the vacuum and remove the garbage bags so the boxelder bugs don’t survive the clean-up. Regularly clean around your home—particularly the kitchen—and keep up with yard maintenance. Both can reduce debris or items that attract the boxelder bugs. In instances of severe infestation, insecticides or professional consultations are also recommended.
Remedies That Aren’t Effective
Homeowners try other methods to repel boxelder bugs, many of which are only somewhat effective.
- Essential oils and vinegar: While essential oils and vinegar are common home remedies, they are ineffective repellents for boxelder bugs.
- Sticky traps: Boxelder bugs may fall for a sticky trap, but a trap won’t catch all of them. The bugs tend to crawl and fly around walls, windows, and ceilings, so sticky traps are often more of a mess than they’re worth.
- Crushing them: Rogers cautions homeowners from going after boxelder bugs by crushing them. “When you squish them, they release a horrible smell and can stain your curtains, walls, or carpeting,” he says.
- Not emptying after vacuuming: Vacuuming and sweeping boxelder bugs in the home can be effective, but it’s important to empty the vacuum or garbage container each time; otherwise, the pests crawl out.
- Ultrasonic pest repellers: Although these devices, which emit high-frequency sounds, are thought to be a safe method to repel or kill bugs, they tend to be ineffective against boxelder bugs.
If boxelder bug infestations persist, consult a pest control professional for help with preventative or removal measures.
