Like many of you, I'm sure, we've had a big problem with Box Elder bugs this fall. We vacuumed up at least 100 in the 3 seasons porch as we were preparing for our party last weekend. However, as the last couple of days have been a bit warmer and sunny, they're back. Last night David and I were sitting in the living room watching t.v. and I reached over to take a drink from the cup of water next to me. As I pulled the cup away from my mouth (after consuming some water) I saw a Box Elder bug floating in my cup. Gross! David took my cup and flushed the intruder down the toilet, but I was already so disgusted. I felt like I had pieces of Box Elder bug stuck in my throat (surely it wasn't just the popcorn I had been eating...) After that, David got a can of pop for me and I insisted in setting an upside-down cup over it between sips. That was an experience I did not want to re-live.
So, here's my question. What home remedies have you all used to battle the Box Elder Bug home invasion? I've heard of spraying soapy water, but I wasn't sure if that would leave a strange residue on our cedar siding. I was also told to spray Windex, which I did after our Box Elder clean up last Friday, but it apparently didn't work because they're back. I'd love to hear your ideas.
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4 comments:
I agree, very gross. We get them like crazy at church too. I know our janitor ladies vacuum them up too. I'll see if I can ask them if there is anything to do!
I wasn't sure what they were until just now when I looked them up on the internet. We have had them this year but they get between the screen and window...somehow because there are no holes in the screen so I just open the screen and boot them out but we haven't had too many.
Hey Melissa....YES let's plan something for next weekend. We both need to get to each other's new houses to see them right? Who is first? :) Somehow I don't have your e-mail anymore. I'll call you or text you sometime later this week!
I looked on the internet and this is what it said:
HOW TO GET RID OF BOXELDER BUGS:
Once boxelder bugs have become established in the home, there aren't a lot of treatment options.
There are not a lot of recommended chemical measures at this point.
The easiest way to remove boxelder bugs, once they are indoors, is with a vacuum cleaner.
However, PREVENTION , is the best of all choices .
This is done during the Fall time.
To help prevent boxelder bugs, cluster flies, lady bugs and similar pests from entering in the fall, outdoor, fast-acting synthetic pyrethroids such as the ones listed below are recommended:
cyonara 9.7Cyonara 9.7 (Preferred choice)
demon wpDemon WP
Demand SC
Tempo WP
Tempo SC
Spray around eaves, attic vents, windows, doors, under-fascia lips, soffits, siding(including under lips) and any other possible points of entry, concentrating on the south and the southwest sides .
Shady areas are less likely to attrack lady bugs.
# Mechanical means of exclusion: Sealing box elder bugs out by caulking cracks and around utility service openings, fixing broken window screens and door jams, plugging cracks in the foundation or roof as well as similar exclusion-type activities will help prevent the lady beetles from entering in the first place.
(Wow, some interesting spelling in that comment above...)
Thanks for the pizza recipe. Also, could I have that recipe for your wonderful apple crisp?
Finally, I grew up in SD with all kinds of Hofers. I'm wondering if the Hofer listed on your blog is related to any Hofers in Bridgewater?
Lois
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