How to Kill Elder Bugs
Elder bugs, or box-elder bugs as they are more commonly known, are a pest that is not harmful but is annoying. In the fall months they try to come into homes to keep warm and this is primarily when people notice them. The elder bug resembles a beetle and is black, about half an inch long and has three red lines on its thorax. These bugs are drawn to the box elder tree, hence the name. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Identify any areas the bugs could be coming into the home. Inspect walls and floors for cracks or holes. Use caulk to seal up the holes; this will be the first line of defense in making sure no more elder bugs get into the home.
-
2
Mix any detergent, for laundry or dishes, with water and put it into a spray bottle. These bugs are easily killed with this mixture and there is no need to use harmful pesticides to kill them. This is good news for anyone with animals or children.
-
-
3
Spray the detergent mixture directly on the bugs anywhere that you see them.
-
4
Vacuum up the bugs, either ones that you kill with the detergent mixture or ones you want to kill. Vacuuming the bugs up will kill them.
-
5
Spray a pesticide outside your home to get rid of the elder bugs if the infestation is that bad. Usually this is not necessary but if it is you must get a pesticide that will specifically kill the elder bug. Most bug sprays do not work on them. Tempo WP is one such pesticide and can be found at most home and garden stores.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you have a female box elder tree on your property you might need to remove it if you are not able to get rid of the bugs by any of these steps. Sometimes the bugs will infest a box elder tree and then the only way to get rid of them is to remove the tree.
Do not step on the bugs as they give off an awful smell when crushed.
