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    Wangdoodle's Avatar
    Wangdoodle Posts: 217, Reputation: 50
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    #1

    Mar 24, 2007, 06:24 PM
    How do I keep box elder bugs away?
    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.
    RubyPitbull's Avatar
    RubyPitbull Posts: 3,575, Reputation: 648
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    #2

    Mar 24, 2007, 06:52 PM
    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
    Wangdoodle's Avatar
    Wangdoodle Posts: 217, Reputation: 50
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    #3

    Mar 24, 2007, 07:29 PM
    I don't have a tree in my yard. Maybe someone in the area has one.

    Thanks for the help.
    RubyPitbull's Avatar
    RubyPitbull Posts: 3,575, Reputation: 648
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    #4

    Mar 24, 2007, 07:37 PM
    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!

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