How do I get rid of elder-box bugs?

Sheryl Mahoney
by Sheryl Mahoney
  4 answers
  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Oct 14, 2019

    This is a serious problem. I would call your local County Extension Office, as just spraying them once isn’t going to break their reproductive cycle.

    In the interim, I would read labels on pesticides at the DIY stores & buy a hose-attachment sprayer.

    • See 1 previous
    • Sheryl Mahoney Sheryl Mahoney on Oct 18, 2019

      I looked it up at the County Extension Office as you suggested an found out that there is a lot of work involved. No easy spray fixes and they live through the winter snow. They say you can cut down your box trees if you want. I don't know if the trees I have are box trees, but I'm not going to cut my trees. I have too just maintain as much as possible by raking leaves and burning them and spray, I have animals so I have to be careful with that too.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Oct 14, 2019

    What does your pest control use?

    They probably will tell you it’s “proprietary”. If you want to use a spreader, there’s pesticide granules.

    Once again, I would read labels at HD, Lowe’s & Menards.

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Oct 17, 2019

    Boxelder bugs don't die unless the poison has direct contact with them. We have them all winter in my area where even subzero temps doesn't kill them off. A perimeter spray such as ortho home defense helps keep them on the outside of the house. They are harmless

  • KDS KDS on Oct 22, 2019

    Mix dish soap and water in a spray bottle & spray directly on them. This does kill them. Also, I have vacuumed them if they are inside the house