Boxelder Bugs

The boxelder bug is another nuisance insect that can invade your home in droves at this time of the year. Like the stink bugs, they are seeking protected overwintering sites and your warm home fits the bill perfectly! I'm thinking that these pests might be pretty bad this year as well because the other day Andre asked me to come down to the gardens with my camera to take pictures of boxelder bug nymphs that were swarming all over a statue and several different plants in the gardens. There were literally hundreds of these immature boxelder bugs crawling over the concrete statue and the vegetation surrounding it. Creepy!
 
Keeping these invading insects out of the house is similar to that for the stink bugs. Since they also sneak into the house through cracks and crevices in the foundation and around windows, doors, and air conditioners, sealing these with calk and weather stripping will do wonders in keeping them out of the house.   

Control products for boxelder bugs are similar to those that can be used for excluding stink bugs.   

Products such as Bonide Household Insect Control kills them on contact but also has some residual action that creates a relatively effective barrier around windows, doors, and other areas where they might gain entrance to your home.

Always read and follow the label directions when using any pesticides!