Are boxelder bugs causing chaos in your cozy sanctuary?
No worries, mother nature has got your back! Join us in this video as we reveal foolproof methods to evict these unwelcome guests from your abode.
We’re talking about simple ingredients from your pantry that will send those buggy buddies packing. You can bid these tiny terrors farewell using organic hacks that won’t break the bank or endanger living beings (except those pesky bugs!).
From essential oil blends that make them flee in disgust to clever home remedies that will have them saying Adios, this video has all the insider tips you need.
It’s time to take control. Watch now to banish those bugs and regain peace!
Table of Contents
What are Boxelder Bugs?
Boxelder bugs, or Boisea trivittata, are tiny insects with distinctive physical features. They are about half an inch long and have a flattened oval-shaped body.
These bugs have a black coloration with reddish-orange markings on their wings, making them easily recognizable. Additionally, their bodies are covered in fine hair.
They have wings and can fly. Boxelder bugs tend to gather on trees, particularly boxelder and maple trees. However, you can find them on other plants and buildings during winter when they seek shelter indoors.
These bugs primarily feed on the seeds of boxelder trees but may also consume leaves and fruits.
While Boxelder bugs do not pose any significant threat to humans or animals, their presence can become bothersome as they invade homes searching for warmth during winter.
You can prevent these pests from entering your property or find natural ways to repel them without harmful chemicals.
What are the Natural Ways to Exterminate Boxelder Bugs?
1. Borax
Borax can eliminate Boxelder bugs due to its toxic properties. When ingested by these pests, borax disrupts their digestive system and causes dehydration, leading to eventual death.
The sharp edges of the borax crystals also damage the exoskeleton of the bugs, further weakening them and making it difficult for them to survive. Furthermore, borax is a desiccant, absorbing moisture from the bodies of Boxelder bugs and drying them out.
These insects rely on a moist environment to thrive. So when exposed to borax, they cannot maintain the necessary moisture levels for survival.
Another reason borax is effective against Boxelder bugs is it can spread around areas where these pests are present. You can sprinkle the powder along window sills, doorways, or any other entry points used by Boxelder bugs.
As they come into contact with this substance while crawling over treated surfaces or consuming it unknowingly while grooming themselves, the borax begins its destructive work on their systems.
Using borax as a natural pesticide offers an environmentally-friendly solution to eliminate Boxelder bugs.
Its ability to disrupt their digestive system and dehydrate them makes it an effective method of controlling infestations.
Additionally, easy application and accessibility make borax a convenient choice for homeowners looking to eliminate these bothersome pests.
2. Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a powdery substance made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms.
When boxelder bugs come into contact with this powder, it acts as a desiccant, implying that it absorbs the waxy protective coating on their exoskeletons, causing them to dry out and die.
The sharp edges of the diatomaceous earth particles also contribute to its effectiveness against boxelder bugs. As the bugs crawl over or through the powder, these sharp edges damage their exoskeletons, leading to dehydration and death.
Furthermore, diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and pets when you follow the instructions, making it an ideal natural solution for exterminating boxelder bugs.
In addition to killing adult boxelder bugs, diatomaceous earth can help control their population by targeting their eggs.
If you sprinkle the substance around areas where boxelder bugs lay their eggs, such as cracks in walls or gaps between windows, it will penetrate and dehydrate the eggshells.
This contact prevents them from hatching and prevents future infestations.
3. Soap and water
Soapy water is another natural method to repel and eliminate boxelder bugs. This solution kills boxelder bugs because the soap acts as a surfactant, breaking down the surface tension of the water.
This phenomenon causes the water to penetrate the exoskeleton of the bugs and suffocate them.
The soap also helps to dissolve any protective waxy coating on their bodies, further enhancing its effectiveness in killing them. The high alkalinity of the soap can also be toxic to boxelder bugs.
When they come into contact with soapy water, it disrupts their cellular membranes and dehydrates their bodies, leading to their eventual demise.
Even so, soap has a strong odor that can repel these pests from your home or garden. Mix a solution of warm water and dish soap in a spray bottle.
Once you have prepared the soapy water solution, locate areas where Boxelder bugs are present, such as on window sills or around doors. Then, spray the areas with the soapy water mixture.
It is essential to coat the bugs with the solution for the remedy to be effective. After spraying, observe the bugs closely as they slow down and eventually die within a few minutes.
Soapy water is an easy and cost-effective way to eliminate boxelder bugs without harmful chemicals.
4. Essential oils
Essential oils have gained popularity for their natural properties.
When repelling boxelder bugs, citrus oil can be an excellent option. These bugs detest the strong scent of citrus, making the oil an ideal choice for keeping them away from your home.
Mix a few drops of citrus essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it around areas where boxelder bugs are present. Another essential oil that deters boxelder bugs is tea tree oil.
This powerful oil has insect-repellent properties that keep these pests at bay.
Mix a few drops of the oil with water or carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, and apply it to areas where boxelder bugs tend to congregate. It will repel and kill them in a few minutes.
Peppermint oil is an excellent remedy for repelling boxelder bugs. Its potent aroma acts as a powerful deterrent against these pests.
Mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle and use it to treat areas where you’ve noticed the high activity of boxelder bugs.
Finally, cayenne pepper can help ward off boxelder bugs due to its strong smell and taste, which these insects dislike. Sprinkle cayenne pepper powder around window sills, door frames, and other entry points where the bugs may enter your home.
The pungent odor will discourage them from crossing those boundaries.
5. Vinegar
Vinegar is an effective killing tool for exterminating these pests due to its high acidity. The pungent odor and acidic properties of vinegar make it an excellent deterrent for boxelder bugs, as they hate these characteristics.
Spraying vinegar on the bugs or their nesting areas can eliminate them by destroying their exoskeletons and causing dehydration.
Besides, vinegar is a natural cleaner, making it an efficient solution for removing any trace of boxelder bug infestation.
Wiping down surfaces with a mixture of vinegar and water can eliminate the bugs’ scent trails that attract other insects to your home.
This cleansing property prevents future infestation and keeps your surroundings clean and bug-free.
6. Introduce predators like chickens, ducks, and guinea fowl
Introducing predators like chickens, ducks, and guinea fowls is an effective and natural way to control boxelder bugs in your garden or yard. Chickens have a voracious appetite for insects, including boxelder bugs.
These birds will peck at the bugs and consume them, reducing their population.
Ducks are also excellent bug hunters and can make a significant impact on controlling boxelder bugs due to their ability to forage in areas where these pests thrive. In addition, guinea fowls are highly effective for pest control.
They have a keen eye for spotting insects and can easily catch flying pests like boxelder bugs. Guinea fowls’ diet consists of small insects, making them an ideal choice for controlling these bothersome pests in your outdoor spaces.
7. Boiling water
When you pour boiling water on boxelder bugs, it kills them instantly by scalding their bodies.
The high temperature of the water damages their exoskeleton, causing dehydration and ultimately leading to their demise. Moreover, the hot water destroys their eggs, preventing future infestations.
To kill boxelder bugs with boiling water, start by identifying their nesting areas. These bugs are attracted to boxelder trees and may build colonies on the tree trunks or nearby surfaces like walls or fences.
Once you have located their nesting areas, boil a pot of water. Carefully pour the boiling water directly onto the nests, ensuring that it reaches all the bugs and their eggs.
The hot water will kill them on contact, making this method efficient for eliminating large infestations quickly. While hot water is excellent for killing boxelder bugs outdoors, it’s unsuitable for indoor control.
Only use it outdoors where there is minimal risk of damaging plants or structures with hot liquid. Besides, wearing protective clothing and exercising caution while handling boiling water is crucial to prevent accidents or burns.
Conclusion
If you’re tired of dealing with boxelder bugs invading your home, these natural remedies can help you repel and exterminate them.
From sealing up cracks and crevices to creating homemade deterrent sprays, you can banish those pesky insects using simple and affordable methods.
Remember, nature has provided numerous solutions, so why not take advantage of them? Bid farewell to boxelder bugs and reclaim your home today!
