If you are noticing an influx of insects coming out and inside your home, you are not alone. There are many bugs that manifest this time of year and are looking for a hiding spot. One of those insects is the boxelder bug.

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Are Boxelder Bugs Harmful?

Boxelder bugs are not dangerous or destructive but they are pests and can be a big problem. Although they will not hurt people or pets, they could be a nuisance to plants and vegetation.

How Can You Get Rid of Them?

There are a few ways to get rid of these red and black boxelder bugs according to Plunkett's Pet Control.

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Spray Bottle with Dish Soap

This is the simplest way to get rid of the boxelder bugs. Simply mix a tablespoon of dish soap into a spray bottle and fill it with water. Then find large clusters of the red and black bugs, and spray them with the mixture. This will kill the bugs by spraying them until they are doused in the solution.

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You should scoop the bugs up when they die. The bugs that live will not want to go back to that spot.

Clean Larger Surfaces with Dish Soap and a Sponge

The soapy water works well on large surfaces too. The boxelder bugs like to get together on warm, heat-reflective surfaces so they can be warm. If they are on these surfaces for a long time, they will eventually find their way inside. If you scrub down large surfaces it will deter them from staying.

Photo by Pille R. Priske on Unsplash
Photo by Pille R. Priske on Unsplash
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Scrubbing the area will also wash away the pheromones that the bugs secrete. If you squish the bugs then they release a bad smell that attracts other bugs to the area.

Vacuum Up the Boxelder Bugs

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You can simply suck up the bugs in the vacuum Make sure you immediately throw out the bag. Then clean up the area with the soapy water mixture.

Seal Up Cracks in Windows and Door Frames

Boxelder bugs like to make their way inside your home. They seek warm places. It is important that you seal up these entryways. Simply use caulk to seal the window and door frames.

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