Help with Box-Elder bugs

Avfin · Mar 20, 2011

Now that the weather is turning nice here in Michigan, my house has these damn little black&red bugs crawling all around. We do have three trees in back yard that I plan on cutting down very soon.
But what is the best way to get these suckers out of my house?
Should I spray inside and out--and if so what kind of spray?
Would moth balls help?
I never see a bug come in but I will look at a wall and there he is--
I have smashed, flushed, sent down garbage disposal and even tried to train my stoopid cat to attack them.
Anyone have knowledge in this area please help---or if you can think of other fun ways to get rid of these suckers---please LMK

Avfin · Mar 20, 2011

The Ween · Mar 20, 2011

I've got them all over. They are harmless, but annoying. Hot Shot for flying insects works wonders. Dawn dishwashing liquid mixed with water is good for big hoards of them.

Your cat shouldn't touch them. They are poisonous to eat. That's why other bugs or birds don't eat them.

Good luck!

The Entity · Mar 20, 2011

Avfin · Mar 20, 2011

The Ween said:
I've got them all over. They are harmless, but annoying. Hot Shot for flying insects works wonders. Dawn dishwashing liquid mixed with water is good for big hoards of them.

Your cat shouldn't touch them. They are poisonous to eat. That's why other bugs or birds don't eat them.

Good luck!

I was joking about cat---
Do you just set the Dawn around them or throw it at them?

The Ween · Mar 20, 2011

Avfin said:
I was joking about cat---
Do you just set the Dawn around them or throw it at them?

You mix it and spray it on them. If you only have a few in the house, just use a paper towel and squish them in it cause their body fluid is red and can stain. I read one lady used a super soaker filled with it on them outside. I'm not sure though how strong to make it, but I'm sure it's stronger than just the squirt you use to do your dishes.

Nothing you can spray around can keep them out, though Hot Shot does help.

Once you get rid of the trees, they'll leave, though it might take another season for them to be all gone because they roost in the cracks of your house during the winter.