How can I get rid of box elder bugs? The south side of my house is just covered with them. I have two kids under 5, and a dog, so I would rather not use pesticides. I know they will fly away to feed, but how do I keep them from coming back. It seems like every year they have become more numerous.

Thanks for your help.

Box Elder bugs are not the easiest to control. They are totally harmless but can be a nuisance. If they are congregating in such a manner as to look like an infestation, do you have a box elder tree close to the house? I hate saying it but the best and easiest way to get rid of the bugs is to remove the tree that is drawing them. You could also have a professional treat the tree, but the sprays are pesticides. You would have to keep the kids and dog away from the area until the next rainfall.

I don't know where you live but this website has a lot of information:

Box Elder Bug Page - United Exterminating Company - Cherry Hill, NJ

I don't have a tree in my yard. Maybe someone in the area has one.

Thanks for the help.

That is very strange that they are congregatinglike that without a tree. The other option is in late summer/early fall, have an exterminator come in and spray the exterior of your house. If it is just that one side, he can do that in a few minutes. You will need to close all your windows and not let the kids or dog in that area until there is a good rain. It might help. I have boxelder bugs but not to the extent you have. But, I get cluster flies in the winter. To keep them at bay, I have an exterminator spray the entire house at that time of year. Fortunately for me, gets rid of them completely. But, it has to be done every year. Good Luck!