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

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty One Group Cascadia

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.

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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.

 

 

 

Posted by

Mark Hall

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Comments(6)

Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

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

Oct 25, 2009 06:50 AM
Nick T Pappas
Assoc. Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, Broker/Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Huntsville AL - Huntsville, AL
Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource

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?

Oct 25, 2009 07:54 AM
Mark Hall
Realty One Group Cascadia - Vancouver, WA
Homes for Sale Vancouver Washington

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

Oct 25, 2009 10:20 AM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon

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

Oct 25, 2009 12:42 PM
Bob & Leilani Souza
Souza Realty 916.408.5500 - Roseville, CA
Greater Sacramento Area Homes, Land & Investments

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

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

Leilani

Oct 26, 2009 07:14 PM
Mark Hall
Realty One Group Cascadia - Vancouver, WA
Homes for Sale Vancouver Washington

Leilani - Yes, It has been loads of fun!

Oct 26, 2009 11:54 PM