GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — I’ve yet to meet someone who actually likes or even appreciates boxelder bugs. Most of us could do without these crawly creatures that seem to stick around all fall and winter.
They are extra noticeable this time of year because they congregate on warm surfaces like the sunny southern and western sides of our homes. Several usually even make it inside. Outside or in, boxelder bugs do not bite or cause any harm to humans.
Although it’s impossible to be perfect, sealing up any cracks or holes in your home is the best idea, preventing them from coming in in the first place.
If they do get in, they only live a few days and do not reproduce inside so simply vacuuming them up is the best option.
A spray bottle of soapy water is the best way I’ve found to deal with the mass of boxelder bugs outside around the door. You can use insecticides, but again, simple soap and water work wonders and are a lot safer.
Yes, they feed on the seeds of boxelder trees but also maples and ash trees. Adults can fly miles away from a tree to your home, so no, cutting down the boxelders in your yard or neighborhood will not keep them away. And they do not harm the trees.
Annoying? Yes. But boxelder bugs can be expected year after year regardless of what you do to prevent them from returning.