Boxelder bugs, or box bugs, are around most of the year; however, they typically emerge in early spring or during the fall. They enter yards and homes and breed there. While they do not harm property, pets, or humans, they can be a source of nuisance. Boxelder bugs also stain lighter surfaces; when crushed, they can stink up the place. Often, the best way to manage them is to keep them from entering one’s home.

1. Address the cause
One of the first things to do in order to get rid of boxelder bugs is to look for boxelder trees, as they attract the bugs in the first place. One can even replace boxelder trees with other trees. Alternatively, one can prune and maintain boxelder trees regularly. This will limit the food source for the bugs. One can also mow the seed pods that fall from the tree, as they attract boxelder bugs.

2. Try diatomaceous earth
Boric acid or diatomaceous earth can help in dealing with boxelder bugs. The powder, known for its industrial uses, doubles up as an insecticide. The pale-colored fine powder, when observed under the microscope, contains particles with spines. The ridges have the ability to cut into the bugs’ exoskeleton. So, the powder can make the boxelder bugs lose fluids, leading to dehydration. The powder also has a damaging effect on the nervous system of the bugs. One can sprinkle the power at entry points like window sills and doorways. A major benefit of using food-grade diatomaceous earth is that the powder is usually non-toxic to pets and humans.

3. Opt for DIY sprays
The safest and easiest way to tackle a boxelder bug infestation is with a DIY boxelder bug killer, which is nothing but a soap and water solution. Not only is this non-toxic to humans and pets, but it also contains ingredients easily available at home. All one has to do is add one to two tablespoons of any liquid dish soap to water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Then, one can spray the solution directly on the bugs. The spray can dissolve the outer protection of the bugs, killing them. 

4. Use a vacuum cleaner
Although harmless, if the bugs are crushed, they release a foul odor, which makes it hard to kill the bugs and get rid of them permanently. So, an easy way to avoid manually crushing the pests is to vacuum clean surfaces and trap dead and alive bugs. Once done, one can empty the bag into a container filled with soap and water. This will dehydrate and suffocate the bugs. One should throw the bugs immediately and then go over the vacuumed areas and clean them with sopay water. This will make sure there are no lingering pests.

5. Use a hose
For those who want to just get rid of the pests without using diatomaceous earth or a vacuum cleaner, can use a garden hose. One can find clusters of these bugs around trees in the yard and hose them to make them leave. This may not be a permanent solution, but can help get rid of bugs from the yard.

6. Consider insecticides
Sometimes, one may have to opt for an insecticide to deal with pests, especially those in the yard. While choosing an insecticide, if the label does not mention boxelder bugs, one can check for ingredients like cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, or deltamethrin. One can use spray the perimeter of the house with a dedicated boxelder bug killer to keep the pests at bay. If insecticide has been used repeatedly, there is a chance that the boxelder bugs might have grown immune to the formula. In this case, one might have to experiment with other pesticides. Either way, one should ensure that they practice caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using insecticides.

7. Try hot water
Hot water is a great homemade boxelder bug killer. Hot water is one of the easiest and safest ways of getting rid of bugs and pests. One can simply pour 165º–180ºF water on clusters of bugs to eliminate them. However, one needs to be careful while handling and pouring extremely hot water and avoid direct contact with the water.

8. Use natural deterrents
Certain plants can repel or deter boxelder bugs. For instance, citrus plants give off a scent that keeps boxelder bugs at bay. Citrus oils can also do the same, repelling pests. Chrysanthemums also offer similar results. So, one can consider placing these plants in areas likely to attract bugs. Further, herbs like lavender, cloves, and sage can repel boxelder bugs to an extent. Additionally, one can mix essential oils with some water and spray the solution directly on bugs or areas frequented by the pests.

Additionally, one can physically remove bugs by trapping them in a jar and then releasing them somewhere far away from the home. This can help one get rid of boxelder bugs quickly.