boxelder bug

Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs - How to kill elder bugs without using dangerous chemicals.

If you are a Washington resident, then you have certainly seen the Western Boxelder Bug. In the fall, it is a very common sight to see them warming themselves on the sunny side of the homes in most neighborhoods. Boxelder bugs spend the winter in protected places, including homes. On warm days,  they'll come out and rest in the sun, and you'll see them on the south and west sides of homes.

They are not dangerous. They don't sting or bite. They don't cause much damage to plants, trees or fruits. They don't cause any structural damage to your home. What they are is ugly and annoying!

How do you get rid of them?

The answer is amazingly simple. You will need a squirt bottle, liquid dishwashing soap, tap water, and a kid who likes to play with squirt guns. Mix the water and soap in the squirt bottle to make a 10% soap solution. Screw the squirt top on, set it on the stream setting for distance, give it to your small marksman friend and send him out the door for target practice! It is really that simple.

One shot and the elder bug will fall off the side of the house and die. If you have squirrels in the neighborhood, they will come and eat the dead bugs. Oddly enough, they will eat the bodies but leave the wings behind for you to sweep up.

Looking for other Green topics? Go to Sustainable Lifestyles.

vancouver homes for sale 

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver Washington dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here. Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs - How to kill elder bugs without using dangerous chemicals.

 

 

 

 
This post has been included in Washington Information Clark County, WA Information
Post is included in group: Vancouver Washington Real Estate
Post is included in group: The Lounge at Active Rain
Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: Going Green!
Post is included in group: ECO-All-Stars~ GREEN Resources, Trends & Friends

6 Comments on Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs - How to kill elder bugs without using dangerous chemicals.

OCT
25
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

I think that squirty thing will work for almost any bug won't it.  Actually it is one elegant looking bug.

1:50pm • #1
Outside Blog

Mark, we have a lot of them in Illinois and as you said they can be found warming themselves in the sunshine.  Hundreds and hundreds of them.  I really do appreciate this tip...now do you have a good tip for Lady Bugs?

2:54pm • #2
120,749 Points 1 Featured Post

Jane - They are elegant looking until there are thousands of them crawling all over your house!

5:20pm • #3
862,050 Points 68 Featured Posts Outside Blog

That is simple and inexpensive and that I think is even better news than the fact that it is good for the environment. So how does it kill them?

 Todd Clark - www.LivingBeaverton.com

7:42pm • #4
OCT
27
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

"...a kid who likes to play with squirt guns."

Mark, I can just imagine the 40-year old kids having a blast! :)

Leilani

2:14am • #5

This blog does not allow anonymous comments

 
Hal432-r1-36a Rainmaker_large

Mark Hall Vancouver Washington Real Estate

Vancouver, WA

More about me…

Elite Realty NW - Keller Williams, Vancouver Washington

Office Phone: (360) 816-9697

Email Me

Mark and Janice Hall of Elite Realty NW lead a dedicated team of real estate agents in the Vancouver Washington area. Each one passionate about providing the highest quality customer service. Each is focused on getting you into the Vancouver Washington home of your dreams.


Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find WA real estate agents and Vancouver real estate on ActiveRain.