Kathleen Walters
Boxelder beetles will usually sneak into homes when the fall weather hits. Knowing how to keep boxelder beetles out requires you to do a bit of prep-work and planning. These red-and-black critters like to swarm when days start to get chilly, searching and hunting warm spots like your attics, walls, or under siding to hole up for the winter. They will slip right through any of the cracks and around windows, doors, vents, or baseboards, so it’s best that you deal with them thoroughly.
These common garden pests aren’t actually harmful, at all. But if you squash them you’ll be left with ugly stains and nasty smells on curtains, floors, or furniture like couches or tables. Fortunately, though, there are quite a few things that you can do to prevent this, and good fall pest control stops boxelder bugs from crawling onto windowsills, chairs, or countertops in the first place. Some work now can keep any pesky bugs from getting into your house later, saving you from endless sweeping or scrubbing all of those stinky stains.
Not only are you keeping annoying pests out, but you’re also making your home a fine spot to enjoy. Boxelder bug prevention products will help block those bugs tight. Then you can relax in the fall with no beetles disrupting your quiet nights.
Seal Entry Points with Insect-Proof Materials
Boxelder beetles sneak through tiny gaps, so sealing up is the first step to prevent bugs from entering the house. Use weather stripping and foam sealant for doors, windows, and vents. And an exterior-grade caulking seals gaps around siding, foundations, or pipe entries where beetles creep in.
Attic vents let beetles slip through, so placing metal mesh screens over the vents will keep them out. Check cracks near chimneys, soffits, or utility lines—it takes some work to do, but it’s worth it. A good seal not only stops boxelder beetles but also blocks ants or spiders, keeping your home ready for fall gatherings.
- Using a simple foam weather stripping around doors will seal gaps preventing boxelder beetles and gusty winds. This roll of weather stripping from Amazon is 33 feet (10 m) long.
- This Loctite spray foam sealant from Amazon will fill in gaps and cracks around windows, dryer vents, and it bonds to most building materials for a secure fill.
- Silicone caulk, like this all purpose caulk from Amazon, is waterproof, freeze proof, and resists sun damage.
- Cover attic vents with this sturdy stainless steel mesh from Amazon to keep out boxelder beetles while still allowing air flow.
Use Outdoor Insecticides and Natural Repellents
Some fall pest control for boxelder bugs can stop them before they get inside. Spray insecticides labeled for boxelder beetles, like this from Amazon, around the foundation, windows, and door frames—check labels to stay safe.
For a greener choice, homemade insecticidal soap or neem oil from Amazon does the job with some spraying on sunny fall days when the beetles congregate on the southern side of homes and sheds.
I also have had success using a squirt of dish soap and a splash of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle filled with water. Just spray on the beetles and they quickly perish.
These organic pest control options treat beetles without hurting your garden or pets. Spray corners, under eaves, or near doorways where bugs pile up. Some effort to hit those spots keeps beetles from building up and sneaking into your home.
Clean Exterior Surfaces
Boxelder beetles leave messy residue and eggs on siding or patios, so cleaning stops trouble. Power wash exterior surfaces to blast away beetle traces that draw more in.
Clear gutters and rake leaf litter where bugs hide. It’s a chore, but skipping it may create problems. Check under rocks or wood piles, too. Some upkeep stops infestations early. Keeping things clean helps with fall pest control for boxelder bugs and keeps your place looking sharp.
Use Traps and Indoor Deterrents for Stragglers
If boxelder beetles get inside, vacuuming them up works. Suck them up carefully with a hose attachment to avoid smelly stains on carpets or walls. Sticky traps near windows, baseboards, or doorways snag stragglers with some quick setup. Place them in corners, near lights, or by vents where bugs wander—it’s simple and works.
There are ultrasonic pest repellers that are sold as a cure all for keeping pests out of your home, but the science doesn't back up their claims. You are better saving your money and using lower tech boxelder beetle control methods.
Maintain Nearby Vegetation
Boxelder bugs feed on boxelder trees and maple trees, so you’ll want to trim branches well away from your house. Cut branches touching roofs, walls, or eaves. If infestations are really bad, professional tree removal might be an unfortunate last resort.
Just a bit of planning makes your yard less pest-friendly. Smart trimming and a few boxelder bug prevention products not only cut down on bugs but also keep your garden looking great.
Boxelder beetles show up in homes during fall. With a little effort, like sealing any cracks or applying sprays, you can prevent them from taking over your home.
