They black and red in color, and ovular in shape. When they come, they come in droves, landing all over your porch, windows, and doors. They're box elder bugs, and while they do not typically bite or sting, they are certainly an annoyance, thanks to their tendency to congregate in large groups. Here are some strategies to help fend them off:
Spray them with soap.
Soap tends to break down the bugs' exoskeletons, which causes them to dehydrate and eventually die. If you have a garden sprayer, make a mixture of water and dish soap inside. Then, spray down the areas that are covered in bugs, making sure that you cover each bug completely.
This treatment will only kill the bugs that are present, and once the soap dries, it won't repel any other bugs that start arriving. So, for the best results, you'll want to repeat your soap spray treatment every day or two while also using the other methods in this article to repel additional bugs. Once the bugs are gone, rinse the surfaces down with plain water to get rid of soapy residue.
Create a diatomaceous earth barrier.
Diatomaceous earth is a substance made from the shells of tiny sea-dwelling creatures called diatoms. It does not harm people, but it is dangerous to bugs since it dehydrates them. Sprinkle a generous portion of it on the soil surrounding your home. The bugs who crawl through it may not die immediately, but they should pass away soon.
Wear gloves when you're working with diatomaceous earth. Though it is not dangerous, it will dry out your skin and leave you pretty itchy.
Plant marigolds.
Marigolds are not appealing to most bugs, including box elder bugs. Their scent will repel the bugs and keep them from swarming on your home. If you do not have garden beds where you can plant the marigolds, just buy a few big pots of these flowers. Place them around your home where you've seen the most bugs.
Marigolds are very hardy flowers. They'll grow well even under a shaded awning or if you forget to water them every day. The more you plant (or pot) around your home, the fewer bugs you'll notice -- so be generous.
If you continue to see a lot of box elder bugs in spite of following these tips, contact an exterminator in your area. They can apply insecticides to your home to kill and repel the bugs. Check out a website like http://molterpestandwildlife.com for more information and assistance.
Share1 November 2017
After marrying my sweet husband ten years ago, I moved into a fixer-upper. I immediately started making a list of remodeling projects I wold need to complete before the house would be comfortable to live in. For instance, I had to rip out the old linoleum flooring in the kitchen, mud room, and bathrooms. I also had to buy a complete set of new furniture. Only a few days after moving into this house, I also discovered my need to contact a reputable pest control specialist. The house contained huge, disgusting roaches. After a local pest control technician visiting my house, my home was free of potentially health damaging roaches. On this blog, you will discover the latest trends in the pest control industry for successfully removing roaches from a home.
