How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs

If you’ve noticed swarms of small black bugs with red or orange markings clustering on the sunny side of your home, you’re not alone. Boxelder bugs are one of the most common nuisance pests in Hillsboro, especially during the late summer and fall. While they don’t bite or damage your home, their presence can quickly become overwhelming.

The good news? With the right prevention steps and targeted treatments, you can keep boxelder bugs out of your living space and reclaim your comfort. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get rid of boxelder bugs and keep them from coming back.

What Attracts Boxelder Bugs?

Boxelder bugs get their name from the boxelder tree, a type of maple tree whose seeds and leaves are their favorite food source. They also feed on other maples and ash trees.

In the spring and summer, they live outdoors on trees, feeding and reproducing. But as the weather cools in late summer and fall, they search for warm surfaces to gather on — often clustering on the sunny walls of homes, garages, and sheds. Once temperatures drop further, they look for small cracks and gaps that allow them to move inside to overwinter.

While harmless in terms of structural damage, the real issue is their numbers and the mess they leave behind. They stain walls, curtains, and furniture with their droppings, and their presence indoors can be frustrating.

How to Prevent Boxelder Bugs From Entering Your Home

The best way to deal with boxelder bugs is to stop them before they get inside. Here are some proven prevention strategies:

• Seal entry points: Use caulk to close gaps around windows, doors, siding, and utility lines.
• Repair window and door screens: Make sure all screens are intact and fit tightly.
• Install door sweeps: Sealing the gap under exterior doors can block entry.
• Check vents and chimneys: Cover with fine mesh screening where appropriate.
• Reduce outdoor lighting: Bright lights attract insects, including boxelder bugs, at night.
• Landscape smartly: If possible, avoid planting boxelder or seed-bearing maple trees near your home.
  

Prevention is especially important in late summer and early fall, before boxelder bugs look for a place to overwinter.

How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs Outdoors

If you’re seeing large groups of boxelder bugs outside, here are a few ways to manage them:

• Vacuum them up: A shop vacuum is a quick and safe way to remove them from siding or patios. Just make sure to empty the vacuum immediately.
• Use a hose: A blast of water can scatter boxelder bugs from walls and siding, though this is only a temporary fix.
• Remove host trees: If boxelder or seed-bearing maple trees are near your home, consider removing them or trimming branches back.
• Apply insecticide barriers: Professional pest control services can apply safe, targeted treatments around your home’s foundation and entry points to reduce populations and block entry.
  

It’s important not to crush boxelder bugs — their bodies can leave stains, and the smell is unpleasant.

How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs Indoors

Once boxelder bugs make it inside, they become much more frustrating. While they don’t reproduce indoors, they can hide in wall voids, attics, or basements, and then appear throughout the winter.

Here’s how to handle them:

• Vacuum regularly: The easiest way to remove them without staining surfaces is to vacuum them up. Empty the bag or canister immediately.
• Don’t squash them: Crushing boxelder bugs on walls, furniture, or curtains will leave red stains that are difficult to clean
• Seal them off: Use weatherstripping, caulk, and foam sealant to close off any entry points you find.
• Call for professional help: For large infestations, pest control technicians can apply treatments that reduce populations and prevent re-entry.
  

Remember, boxelder bugs are most likely to show up in homes that are not well-sealed, so exclusion is the most effective long-term strategy.

Why Professional Pest Control Works Best

While DIY methods like vacuuming or spraying soapy water can provide temporary relief, they rarely solve the problem when infestations are large. Professional pest control offers long-lasting protection through:

• Accurate identification: Confirming the pest and understanding where they’re entering.
• Targeted treatments: Safe, eco-friendly applications that reduce populations without harming your home or environment.
• Seasonal prevention: Regular treatments timed to when boxelder bugs are most active, keeping them out year-round.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that infestations are managed and your home is protected.
  

For homeowners in Hillsboro and surrounding communities, boxelder bugs are a recurring seasonal issue. Working with a trusted pest control provider means you don’t have to fight them on your own every year.

Take Back Your Home With Natura Pest Control

Boxelder bugs don’t have to be part of your fall routine. At Natura Pest Control, we specialize in safe, eco-friendly treatments that keep your Hillsboro home free from nuisance pests in every season. Our team provides customized solutions designed to protect your family and your comfort. Call us today or request a free quote online to stop boxelder bugs before they get inside.