How To Get Rid Of Boxelder Bugs Outside - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs Outside PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Chris Parker and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Approved

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  • Killing the Bugs
    • |
  • Discouraging Large Swarms
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
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  • Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by Chris Parker and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger, BA. Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. Since 2016, Chris has been specializing in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 22 testimonials and 86% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 806,775 times.

Boxelder bugs, which are often drawn to boxelder and maple trees, are known for congregating in large groups. Luckily, they won’t do much damage to your home or your plants, but they can still be a nuisance due to their sheer numbers. In addition, boxelder bugs produce a strong, unpleasant odor, particularly when they gather in large numbers or if they’re crushed. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to get rid of the bugs and discourage them from coming back.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Killing the Bugs

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  1. Step 1 Wear appropriate safety gear before working with insecticides. 1 Wear appropriate safety gear before working with insecticides. You can never be too safe when you’re working with insecticides or other chemicals. Wear heavy-duty gloves, protective goggles, a dust mask, and long sleeves and pants. That way, you’ll avoid eye, skin, or respiratory inhalation due to the chemicals.[1]
    • When you choose a product, read the label closely for specific safety instructions.
    • Even if a product isn’t harmful to humans, like diatomaceous earth, it’s best to protect yourself. The powder can irritate your lungs if you breathe in a large amount of it, and it can also be very drying to your eyes.
  2. Step 2 Use food-grade diatomaceous earth to treat large swarms of boxelder bugs. 2 Use food-grade diatomaceous earth to treat large swarms of boxelder bugs. Before you use dangerous pesticides, opt for a safer treatment. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, use a hand duster or a large scoop to sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of your boxelder or maple trees. Then, scatter more powder around the perimeter of your home, being especially generous around doorways and windows.[2]
    • You’ll need to reapply this treatment after it rains or if the bugs come back.
    • Diatomaceous earth is non-toxic to humans and pets, but it is lethal to boxelder bugs. That’s because the fine silica-based powder affects insects’ exoskeletons, leading to their death.[3]
    • You can use Borax instead of diatomaceous earth, if you’d like. This boron-based compound is also safe to use around the home.
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  3. Step 3 Spray the outside of your home with insecticide if the bugs are swarming. 3 Spray the outside of your home with insecticide if the bugs are swarming. Boxelder bugs release a chemical that attracts other boxelder bugs, which can sometimes lead to large swarms. This is especially common in the fall, when the bugs are trying to find somewhere warm to spend the winter. If a swarm occurs, use insecticide to kill the bugs. Follow the specific application instructions for the product you’re using, observe all listed safety precautions, and spray the entire wall where the boxelder bugs are congregating.[4]
    • You can also use the insecticide to create a perimeter around your home, preventing the boxelder bugs from getting inside.
    • Look for a commercial preparation that lists boxelder bugs on the label. Common chemicals for residential pesticide use include bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, and deltamethrin.
    • Keep children and pets away from areas treated with an insecticide.

    Did You Know? Boxelder bug swarms are commonly found on the south and west sides of homes because these walls are warmed by the sun throughout the day.

  4. Step 4 Vacuum up big clumps of bugs. 4 Vacuum up big clumps of bugs. If you have a shop vac or a vacuum with an attachment hose, you can bust big groups of boxelder bugs by simply sucking them up. Then, either take the bag out of the vacuum or empty the canister into a garbage bag, and seal the bag tightly shut before you throw it away. This will keep the bugs from escaping.[5]
    • This is also an effective way to remove boxelder bugs that get inside your home.
  5. Step 5 Call a professional if the bugs still aren’t gone. 5 Call a professional if the bugs still aren’t gone. If you’ve tried diatomaceous earth, borax, or commercial insecticides and the boxelder bugs haven’t left, you may need to call a professional exterminator. The exterminator will come out and assess the situation, and typically they will then give you an estimate for how much they think it will cost to fix the problem. In most cases, the consultations will be free, but be sure to check first.[6]
    • If you’ve never used an exterminator before, ask your friends and family to recommend someone to you, or research local exterminators online to find one with mostly positive reviews.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Discouraging Large Swarms

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  1. Step 1 Rake up fallen boxelder seeds as soon as they drop. 1 Rake up fallen boxelder seeds as soon as they drop. Boxelder bugs feed on the sap from female boxelder trees, which they primarily obtain from their seedpods. When you notice the seedpods starting to drop in the fall, rake them up and dispose of them as often as possible. This will help remove the bugs’ food source, which will discourage them from congregating in your yard.[7]
    • Boxelder bugs also feed on other types of maple trees, though not as commonly. If the boxelder bugs seem to be attracted to another tree, rake the leaves and seeds from that tree as soon as they fall, as well.
  2. Step 2 Use a strong stream of water to disperse small groups of bugs. 2 Use a strong stream of water to disperse small groups of bugs. Since boxelder bugs attract others, you can help prevent large swarms by keeping smaller groups from forming. If you see several boxelder bugs together, spray them with a hose set to the strongest stream possible.[8]
    • This won’t kill the bugs or cause them to leave your property, but if you’re able to catch them when they’re just starting to gather, they won’t be able to release their scent to call others to that spot.
  3. Step 3 Soak the bugs with soapy water to kill them quickly. 3 Soak the bugs with soapy water to kill them quickly. Spraying the bugs with plain water won't kill them, but using soapy water will. Mix about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of dish soap into a spray bottle full of water. When you see boxelder bugs on the side of your house, near your windowsill, or anywhere else they might gather, just grab your spray bottle and saturate the bugs. This is less harmful than using chemicals to treat the bugs, while still being very effective.[9]

    Tip: If you just see 1 or 2 bugs, squash them or stomp them with your shoe!

  4. Step 4 Replace female boxelder trees if you want to permanently get rid of the bugs. 4 Replace female boxelder trees if you want to permanently get rid of the bugs. If nothing else you’ve tried has made much of a difference and the boxelder bugs are really bothering you, you might consider removing the female trees. Hire a professional tree removal service to safely cut down the female boxelder tree, then plant another tree in its place.[10]
    • Male boxelder trees don’t produce seedpods, so you don’t need to cut these down.
    • This is an extreme solution to getting rid of a bug that generally doesn’t cause too much trouble. In most cases, it’s simpler to keep your tree and just accept the bugs.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question Will box elders leave or die out in the winter months? Community Answer Community Answer No. They just seem to hide. They come back out in full force when the warmer months arrive. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 37
  • Question What spray can I use in my flower beds to get rid of boxelder bugs? Community Answer Community Answer Soapy water and pyrethrin. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 64
  • Question How do I get rid of a nest of them by my front door area? Community Answer Community Answer A good shop-vac sucks them up with ease. You may have to repeat the process over the course of a few weeks, but will notice a large drop after three or four times doing this. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 21
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Video

Things You’ll Need

  • Safety gear (eye protection, long sleeves and pants, dust mask, and gloves)
  • Diatomaceous earth (optional)
  • Scoop (optional)
  • Borax (optional)
  • Chemical insecticide (optional)
  • Soapy water and spray bottle (optional)
  • Rake

Tips

  • The best time to use insecticides to treat boxelder bugs is in the fall. This is when they tend to cluster in large numbers to "find a warm place to hide for the winter".[11] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-boxelder-bugs/
  2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-boxelder-bugs/
  3. ↑ http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html
  4. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/boxelder-bugs#pesticides-117863
  5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-boxelder-bugs/
  6. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/boxelder-bugs#pesticides-117863
  7. ↑ https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/boxelder-bugs-5-522/
  8. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-boxelder-bugs/
  9. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/boxelder_bugs_are_a_real_nuisance_this_time_of_year
More References (2)
  1. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-boxelder-bugs/
  2. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/boxelder-bugs#pesticides-117863

About This Article

Chris Parker Co-authored by: Chris Parker Pest Control Specialist This article was co-authored by Chris Parker and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger, BA. Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. Since 2016, Chris has been specializing in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington. This article has been viewed 806,775 times. 7 votes - 86% Co-authors: 17 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 806,775 Categories: Featured Articles | Pest Control Article SummaryX

To get rid of outdoor boxelder bugs, fill a spray bottle with water and liquid dish soap and spray the bugs to kill them. You can also sprinkle borax or food-grade diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home and plants to keep boxelder bugs away. Even just spraying the bugs with your garden hose can stop them from gathering on your plants. To learn about the chemical insecticides you can use to get rid of boxelder bugs, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Tara Deihm

    Tara Deihm

    Mar 29, 2018

    "For the past few years we have noticed a marked increase of these bugs on the south side of our home when the sun..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Chris Parker Co-authored by: Chris Parker Pest Control Specialist Co-authors: 17 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 806,775 86% of readers found this article helpful. 7 votes - 86% Click a star to add your vote Tara Deihm

Tara Deihm

Mar 29, 2018

"For the past few years we have noticed a marked increase of these bugs on the south side of our home when the sun..." more S. W.

S. W.

Aug 22, 2017

"My neighbor has a Chinese Raintree and the box elder bugs feed on the seeds inside the lantern pods. I have used..." more Rated this article: Angela Rice

Angela Rice

Apr 8, 2020

"After reading this article, I mixed liquid dish soap and water in a spray bottle and was able to get rid of a large..." more Reyna Loredo

Reyna Loredo

May 25, 2017

"Very helpful, since I am a novice and never had to deal with boxelder bugs before. Also very nice to get pros and..." more Rated this article: Debra Pozzi

Debra Pozzi

Apr 3, 2017

"Great, as I am always wanting to do it myself and I have that "D" word. Otherwise, I have to call. My..." more Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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