Preventing Boxelder Bugs

Preventing Boxelder Bugs

[ Boxelder Bug Identification | Inspecting For Boxelder Bugs | Treating For Boxelder Bugs | Preventing Boxelder Bugs ]

Preventing a Boxelder Bug Infestation
Preventing Boxelder Bug Infestation

Boxelder Bugs are normally harmless insects that will try to enter your house in the winter to survive the cold. When they do eventually enter the home, they can multiply quickly and leave a stain when startled or stepped on.

The best way to handle a Boxelder Bug infestation in your house is to prevent them from entering the home in the first place.

Use Liquid Insecticide Outside Your House
Spraying Insecticide Outside Boxelder Bugs

Apply an insecticide that is labeled for Boxelder Bugs around the perimeter of your house as it begins to get cool outside. Mix the insecticide with water in a hand pump sprayer according to the instructions, then spray around your house in these areas:
  • Apply to about 3 feet up onto the sunniest side part of the house. The sunniest part is where overwintering pests are most likely to gather
  • 3 feet up from the foundation of your house around the entire perimeter
  • Eaves and soffits
  • Outdoor light fixtures
  • Door frames and window frames
  • Any cracked or opened caulking around the perimeter
  • Utility pipes and wires that enter the house
Use Insecticide Spray Inside Your House

Insecticide Indoors Boxelder Bugs

Like in the outdoor treatment, mix an insecticide that is labeled for Boxelder Bugs with water in a hand pump sprayer according to the instructions. Spray the following areas inside:
  • Under sinks
  • Underneath appliances
  • Where utility pipes enter the house
  • Door frames and window frames
  • Corners of rooms
  • Where baseboards meet the wall
  • Crawlspaces
  • Basements
Do not do a broadcast spray (an entire area) inside. Always wait about 1-2 hours until the spray has completely dried before allowing children / pets to enter the area.

Apply Insecticide Dust for Lasting Results


Insecticide dust is another way to protect your house from Boxelder Bugs. Insecticide dusts are good for using in hard to reach areas, like behind wall voids and in cracks and crevices.

Choose the best insecticide dust that is labeled for Boxelder Bugs using a hand duster. Fill up the duster half-way with insecticide dust, then use 1-2 "puffs" in these places around the home:
  • Baseboards
  • Soffits
  • Under appliances
  • Under furniture
  • Pipes entering the structure
  • Under sinks
  • Where baseboards meet carpet
  • Wall voids behind electrical outlets
  • Cables and pipes entering the home
  • Door frames and window frames
  • Corners of attics and closets
  • Cracks and crevices
Be careful to not over-apply the dust in any specific area. Boxelder Bugs will avoid large amounts of the dust that is in one spot.

Maintain Your House and Yard
Boxelder Prevention Home and Lawn

Maintenance of your house and yard is basic, but it is an effective way to prevent Boxelder Bugs from entering your house.

General pest prevention practices:
  • Repairing screens
  • Put door sweeps on outer doors
  • Cleaning gutters
  • Add steel mesh where utilities enter house
  • Add caulking to cracks and crevices
  • Vacuum frequently to get rid of crumbs
  • Keeping house clean, especially the kitchen
  • Create a barrier by pushing straw, mulch, or bark about 6 inches away from the foundation

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