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HomeArticlesCommunityMy Profile WH.translationData = {'es': {'msg':"\u00bfTe gustar\u00eda saber Como deshacerse de los bichos del maple americano? \u00a1Lee acerca de eso en espa\u00f1ol!"}};WH.mergeLang({'navlist_collapse': '- collapse','navlist_expand': '+ expand'});EditHome » Categories » Home and Garden » Housekeeping » Pest ControlHow to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs OutsideEdited by Catdog, June, HinniPin ItArticle EditDiscussBoxelder bugs are roughly 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) in length and are commonly characterized by the red markings along an otherwise black or dark brown abdomen. They are attracted to the boxelder tree, but may also gather in places where maple and ash trees grow. Here's how to get rid of boxelder bug infestations using chemical, organic, and manual means.EditStepsMethod One: Chemical Insecticides1Use a perimeter treatment. A perimeter treatment is formulated for use around the exterior of the house and other structures. Spray one of these insecticides around all possible openings, including the entire perimeter of the home, attic vents, basement windows, cellars, windows, doors, siding, garden sheds, and garages.[1]
While this will not destroy all the boxelder bugs living in your yard, it will prevent them from getting inside. The bugs that pass over the insecticide barrier will also die, thereby reducing the population in your yard.Concentrate on spraying the south and southwest sides of the house or yard.Use a backpack sprayer or power spray rig to achieve maximum coverage. Direct the opening of the sprayer hose toward the area to be treated. Activate the spraying mechanism by pulling the trigger of the sprayer and apply the insecticide in a steady stream.Pyrethrin-based are among the most effective types to use against boxelder bugs.[2] These sprays are made from a highly poisonous compound found in pyrethrum flowers, and other chemicals may also be added to increase their effectiveness.Do not use perimeter insecticides on your lawn. These chemicals will often damage your grass and other plants.2Call professionals. If you lack the equipment or if home treatment proves ineffective, call a professional exterminator to rid your yard of the bugs.
When you contact the exterminator, indicate whether you want him to prevent the bugs from entering your home or if you want a solution that will remove them from your yard completely. Perimeter treatment is more common, and if you do not specifically state your desire to be rid of the bugs completely, the exterminator may not take measures to remove them from your yard.Method Two: Organic Insecticides1Spray the bugs with soap and water. Add 1 or 2 Tbsp (15 to 30 ml) of dish soap to a standard-size spray bottle filled with water. Shake well to combine, and spray the soapy solution on boxelder bugs as you see them.
There are several theories as to why soap effectively kills boxelder bugs. The leading theory is that the soap breaks down the hardened skin of the insect, causing the bug's cell membranes to deteriorate. As a result, the bugs dehydrate and die.[3]Note that this only works when the spray is used directly on the boxelder bug. When you see a group of these bugs, douse it with soapy water, making sure to coat each individual insect. Soap has no residual effect on boxelder bugs that do not come into direct contact with it.2Spread diatomaceous earth.[4] Sprinkle this substance around the perimeter of your house, around the base of boxelder trees, and in any area of the yard where boxelder bugs seem to gather.
Diatomaceous earth is a porous sedimentary deposit that consists of fossilized phytoplankton called diatoms.You can find diatomaceous earth at most home improvement stores. You may also be able to find it at retail garden supply centers.Wear gloves and other protective clothing as you spread this substance. You should also carefully follow the instructions printed on the label of the container. While this substance is non-toxic to humans, it is quite possible to have an allergic reaction to it.Diatomaceous earth kills boxelder bugs and other insects by breaking down their hard, protective coating, similar to the way in which soap kills insects.3Use borax. Sprinkle a coating of borax around the base of boxelder trees, inside the exterior siding of your house, and anywhere in your yard where large groups of boxelder bugs gather.
Borax is a white boron-based compound often used for green household cleaning.You can usually buy borax in the cleaning aisle of major grocery stores and some larger drug stores or department stores.Like diatomaceous earth, borax breaks down the protective coating of the boxelder bug, killing it by destroying cell membranes and ultimately dehydrating the bug.Method Three: Manual Removal1Remove female boxelder trees from the yard. Boxelder bugs are only attracted to female boxelder trees, so removing these and only planting male boxelder trees will usually fix the problem.
Boxelder trees that bear seed or fruit are female.[5] You can also identify female boxelder trees by looking at the flowers. The flowers of female boxelder trees share one stalk, while those on male boxelder trees do not.2Introduce predators into the environment. The natural predators of the boxelder bug are the praying mantis and most types of spiders.[6]
Note that this is fairly risky move to make. Purposefully introducing a new insect into your yard's ecosystem can upset the balance, and you may find yourself with a praying mantis or spider problem after the boxelder bugs have been reduced.You can place praying mantis egg cases or captured spiders in your bushes or trees. Alternatively, you can attract praying mantises to your yard by planting rose bushes and raspberry bushes. Plants that attract small "prey" bugs are also good at attracting both the praying mantis and many varieties of spider.3Hose them down.[7] As soon as you see the bugs beginning to gather, spray them out of the yard with a forceful jet stream of water from an ordinary garden hose.
This will not kill the bugs and may not offer a permanent solution, but it will deter the boxelder bugs from gathering. As such, it proves most useful if done toward the beginning of an infestation.4Remove or kill them by hand. If the infestation is still small, you can literally squash the problem early by stomping on or swatting the bugs when you see them in your yard.
Alternatively, you can trap them in jars and release them outside of your yard. Wear gloves when doing this in case you are forced to touch them in the process.Categories: Featured Articles | Pest Control
Recent edits by: June, Catdog
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