How can I eliminate boxelder bugs?
Boxelder bugs are black and red insects that congregate in the vicinity of boxelder trees and nearby homes. The insects appear in the late summer and early fall. They will nest under siding and deposit frass (excrement) on the siding. While they do little or no damage to homes, they are unsightly and a nuisance. They feed primarily on the soft tissue of boxelder and other soft maple trees, and can be seen flying around such trees when they are feeding. These bugs can be washed off your home with a mild detergent and warm or hot water. This combination melts a waxy coating on the body of the insect causing them to dry up and die. Our continued efforts to remove boxelder trees from the greenbelts will help to reduce this problem.
