Boxelder Bugs (they’re back!)
By Donald McBrayer
They are everywhere in Peru these days, like a red blanket caressing the trees, or piled high on aged house siding.
Say “Hi!” to the Boxelder Bug (Boisea Trivittata). They love the sap of boxelder trees, but will also settle for maple and ash. This time of year they are seeking crevices to nestle in for a long winter’s nap. Any exposed wood in any sunny spot is too tempting to pass up for these little guys. They hit Peru hard a few years back, and can hang on for several seasons. Only a very cold winter keeps their numbers at bay (one more reason to like the snow).
Since they could be sticking around you might wanna know:
Are they dangerous? The good news is they do little damage to plants, do not bore (like ants or termites). Boxelder bugs do not bite or sting, and do not carry any disease. Heck, they don’t even like human food. But, that’s little comfort when you see fifty-trillion of them on the side of the house.
How do you get rid of them? Boxelder bugs are surprising resilient to pesticides. Wasp spray will take ‘em out, but I don’t personally like using poisons for pest control. A soap and water mix (2 tablespoons per gallon) directly sprayed on them will kill them quite effectively – but only the ones you hit. Boric acid will keep them at bay, but they can be persistent. If you squash ‘em (yick!) they smell, and will stain your house – so don’t do it! I like to suck them up with a shop-vac.
The Boxelder Bug is more a nuisance than anything. I guess I could learn to live with them, I just wish they’d pay a little rent.
Posted: September 23rd, 2009 under General News.