How to get rid of Elderberry bugs

Sarah Parra
by Sarah Parra
I moved into a house last June and didn't get around to gardening yet. This year I plan to build raised garden boxes and grow a variety of vegetables and fruits. I niticed last summer that our yard is infested with elderberry bugs. I dont want all of my plants eaten away. How can I get rid of all of these (and maybe other pests as well) without poisoning my garden?
  4 answers
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Feb 19, 2013
    I'm not entirely sure what you mean by elderberry bugs, Sarah. If they are similar to boxelder bugs, most people don't consider these a nuisance until they start looking for ways to come in the house in the fall. I'm not aware that they do significant amounts of damage in a garden, and suspect your best means of defense may be to plant things to attract birds to your yard, and let them feast on the bugs.
  • H.C. Lawn H.C. Lawn on Feb 19, 2013
    ortho make a seven liquid or try tomato dust when leaves are wet but be sure you wash the fruit
  • Marianne Cowan Marianne Cowan on Mar 08, 2013
    I agree with Douglas. They usually swarm for a bit, then they're gone. If you really feel the need to spray, mix up a quart spray bottle of water with a tsp of liquid dish soap. That's a good eco friendly bug spray.
  • Marsha Lynn Marsha Lynn on Mar 19, 2013
    My dad had them at his house (boxelder bugs) and he coated the snot out of them with baby powder. For some reason, a landscape place told him this and the ones he had in his house either died somewhere or just went away. Not sure how or why but that is what he used!!