No Need For Pesticides Or Traps: The $0 Solution That Gets Rid Of Boxelder Bugs

When the weather gets chillier, people and pets aren't the only creatures that seek warmth and shelter to avoid the cold. Unfortunately, certain pests, like boxelder bugs, do the same thing — and even though they won't bite you or cause damage to your home, nobody wants insects inside their home. So, how do you get rid of these unwelcome guests? As it turns out, soap and water is an effective method of killing boxelder bugs. The best part? You don't need to use harsh pesticides or set out traps.

Making the soapy solution is surprisingly easy, too. All you have to do is combine two tablespoons of dish soap with a liter of water in a spray bottle, according to Lowe's. Then, when you see the boxelder bugs scurrying across your walls, floors, or other surfaces, spray them with the solution. Since it's so simple, you might be wondering why this approach works. In short, when the soapy water comes into contact with the bugs, it dissolves their waxy outer coats, eventually resulting in dehydration and death.

Keep in mind, though, that this method only works to kill the bugs on contact. In other words, it's a quick, short-term fix and won't prevent them from coming back. If you have a serious infestation, you may need to take another course of action. For instance, it's a good idea to seal possible entry points (such as damaged windows and cracked siding) to prevent the pests from getting into your house. If you keep finding the bugs indoors, consider calling a pest control company.

If the soapy solution isn't cutting it, there are other natural ways to keep boxelder bugs away from your home and garden. For example, sprinkling diatomaceous earth (DE) around trees and exterior windows and doors can kill outdoor pests and prevent them from coming into your house. If you aren't familiar with DE, it's a natural substance that cuts a bug's exoskeleton and absorbs the wax on its body. After coming into contact with it, an insect eventually becomes dehydrated and dies. However, while food-grade DE is safe to use around pets and humans, it can irritate the eyes and lungs. Before using it, put on a pair of gloves and a mask.

Something else to consider: Boxelder bugs are related to stink bugs and cicadas — and when you squish them, they release an unpleasant smell. They can also leave stains behind. Because of this, if you spot these critters inside or outside of your home, crushing them isn't a good option. You can sweep them up or vacuum them, and in fact, many experts recommend using one of these methods when you spot the pests in your house.

Finally, you may be able to repel boxelder bugs from your garden with a popular bulb: garlic. It won't kill them, but its strong scent can drive them away. To try this technique, crush four cloves of garlic and put them in a sealed container with a tablespoon of mineral oil. After a day (or more), strain the garlic and put the oil in a spray bottle with 16 ounces of water. Then, apply the solution to plants in your garden.