Boxelder Suggestions

http://www.unexco.com/carpbees.html
I just sprayed carb cleaner into 4 new holes and killed 4 females. I didn't feel safe doing it at night since it is about 18 feet up. It took about a minute and the bees started falling out of the holes. I am trying to repaint this area but the bees are drilling holes faster than I can plug them to get ready to paint. Thanks for the info. I did not know that it was only the females drilling and that the males are harmless. They are intimidating as they buzz up to you.

http://unexco.com/boxelder.html
We have joined the rest of the people with boxelder bugs. My husband and I have 110 years experience, raised on farms and have never seen these bugs like this before. I have a terrible fear of bugs, stemming from childhood, and am basically on the vurge of throwing up everytime I find one in my kitchen. I can't tell you how nice it was to read information that stated all I've been thinking about these pests and what solutions are really out there. I must admit to feeling quite paranoid over "the halloween bugs" but after reading your article I must say it's nice to know there isn't a whole lot that can be done in an extermination way and I'm quite sure you just saved us some money. I'm no happier with the bugs than I was before but I have finally heard from someone who recognizes this issue, contrary to my landlord. I'll try the dishsoap and fill some cracks. Gravol is always an option for the nausea and listening to people like you will go a long way to keeping my emotional stability. A sense of humor doesn't hurt either. Thanks so much, Happy Easter and may God Bless You

http://unexco.com/boxelder.html
I don't have a suggestion. I have zero knowledge or understanding of pest control. But, I can recognize when someone has gone out of their way to be caring, helpful, community minded; simply more interested in the greater good. I don't expect I'll ever reside in the greater Cherry Hill area, but if I did and needed exterminating services, YOU would most definitely by my first call. I just wanted to say thanks and let you know that YOU are greatly appreciated ! ! ! THANK YOU ! ! !

http://unexco.com/boxelder.html
Thanks for a great site...lots of good info! I was looking for information on box elder bugs and your page was very helpful. A mild winter last year, combined with warm temperatures this fall have us inundated with box elder bugs! Following the suggestion that soapy water might help, we have had pretty good success so far with using a Windex product that is designed to hook up to the hose for washing outside windows. We just spray the areas containing the bugs, and it kills them within moments. And it's safe for the kids and pets. Thought someone might find that useful!

http://unexco.com/boxelder.html
Your website is very informative. All summer we have had thousands of these bugs on our house right by our door. They rarely come in, just once in a while. I finally just found out what they were and am glad to hear that they do not hurt anything. Once, I wasted a whole can of RAID in just one area and a couple days later they were back. So, it seemed like a wasted effort. I agree with all the info on your site as they have NEVER bitten or anything. They are just so abundant...Thanks again!

http://unexco.com/boxelder.html
I don't need an answer. I just wonder: If these little bugs are harmless-and rather pretty-why bother trying to kill them at all? Man seems to think he has to destroy every little critter he sees. Leave the darn little bugs alone if they are not hurting you!!!

http://unexco.com/boxelder.html
I need to know what a Box Elder Tree looks like. We have a horrible case of box elder bugs. We are not the original owners of our home so we need to know what the tree looks like so we can get rid of it. Barbara H. (email address omitted)

My Comment: Barb, I do have a picture of the tree on the page, just click on the tree for a larger picture. Although BEBs attack and live on many different kinds of trees. Maples are one, and there's LOTS of maple trees around.

http://unexco.com/boxelder.html
Elder bugs do more than bite me. They stick their appendages in me and suck my blood. They use the same wound over and over again, reopening it. I've seen them also do this to other dead elder bugs. They can get hungry. It could be bacause I'm diabetic, but I've wittnessed vegan bugs and even squirrels turn carnivouous. I'm tellin ya, THEY EAT HUMANS !!! There was one hanging out in my room, opening the same wound nitely, till I caught him and killed him. Almost like a freakin bed bug. (email address omitted) Laugh if you want.

Update (3 days later): After sending this gentleman(?) a series of emails, demanding he remove the entire blocks of text on his "report" that he had lifted directly from my Web page, he relented, and removed the disputed text.

At which point, I did remove the notice I had put on my boxelder bug page. In the interim, I had also contacted a law firm, Fish and Richardson, specializing in intellectual property, and had been prepared to ask them to contact him demanding removal or perhaps the payment of royalties. Don't you just LOVE it when a slacker backs down? There is entirely too much plagiarism on the Internet.

I did keep a copy of his original report, and a copy of his revised report, just for posterity and to keep everybody honest....

Update number two...(several days later)

I'm Joe Barton, the author of the Box Elder Bug Removal Report, found at http://www.GetRidOfBoxElderBugs.com. Concerning your statement: "Don't you just LOVE it when a slacker backs down? There is entirely too much plagiarism on the Internet." I would like to clarify to your readers that I did not plagiarize your website. I used your website as one source of information in my research of box elder bugs. There were maybe 1 or 2 sentences that were cut & paste from your website... that I wasn't aware of, and have corrected. In addition to your site, I used MULTIPLE other resources to compile my comprehensive box elder bug report. I do sell it online for $16.95, and it is a great value - more than just rehashing your information. It contains many other free and natural methods of getting rid of box elder bugs. Some people don't feel $16.95 is too much to pay to learn exactly how to get rid of their box elder bug infestation. Sincerely, Joe Barton www.GetRidOfBoxElderBugs.com

My Comment: Well, Joe, it was a lot more than a couple of sentences... But that's okay, Joe, I do accept your apology and appreciate your consideration and willingness to make things right. That's certainly a lot more consideration than than other people have shown me. You are a gentleman for doing so.

September, 2006

NOTE: It appears that this man's site is no longer on the Web. It really galls me when I see someone rip off people by forcing them to pay for information that anyone can gather on the Web, all by themselves. Good riddance!

http://unexco.com/boxelder.html
We have a HUGE Box Elder Tree only 20+ feet from the house, and on the north-east cornor of the house. The east wall of the house is the largest wall and gets full sun...so guess what...lots of bugs. Your article was 100% correct.I've been doing battle for 20+ years and have been using both a shop vac and a rainbow water vac. This year however has been the worst ever. Thousands and Thousands. That I believe is because it's not only Hot but very, very Dry this summer. I'll spend 30 min to 1 hr a day total with the vac. First thing in the morning before the sun gets hot, again at lunch and finally at sunset. The tree is a conversation piece with the neighbors and can be seen over 1/2 mile away. I even built my garage farther away from the house to save this baby. I have been thinking about a heat trap. My wife had the idea. Some sort of box container with a infared heat source to attract them in, only problem is how do you kill them or trap them after they get in? Do you think this might work? Thanks again for the well written info. Bruce Janssen, from Michigan

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
I am uncertain whether you will receive my feedback. Your instructions at the feedback point are probably the leqswt clear of anything on your website. I came to your site in desperation. Elder bugs are haunting our lives-in the house and out. Your suggestions are helpful but not encouraging. Somone needs to come up with a better answer. They are a real nuisance and are making our lives miserable. Thanks for the good info!

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
You stated on this site that box elder bugs have "biting mouth parts," but they actually have a proboscus they usually keep folded up under thier body, a sort of straw they suck up their food with. They don't have jaws, so anyone who thinks they have been bitten most likely imagined it or felt their gripping toes lightly scratch their skin.

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
Just a note to say thank you for providing such interesting and helpful information. We have swarms of the bugs but have learned to live with them. Others in our neighborhood, especially our local museum, would like to do something drastic and your information coupled with your common sense attitude (in short supply these days) will be passed on.

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
I don't have a suggestion but just a heartfelt thank you for stating how others are trying to sell solutions to box elder bugs and your fear of bugs. Trust me, I've searched the Intranet and am amazed at how many are out there selling their solutions, promising that theirs and only theirs works. Thanks for being upfront, straightforward and HONEST

My Comment: Yeah, I know, thank you. I had one guy that took a lot of information from my page, almost word-for-word, and was selling it on his website, $25.00 for a PDF document that was just a compilation of stuff you can get on the Internet by just Googling "boxelder bug control."

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
Thank you for the solution to a problem I have been worried about for months. I was afraid my dog would eat the bugs and become poisoned. Your article is very helpful. I have searched the internet and emailed the agricultural dept at UT, but your article helped the most. Thx...M

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
we used a really good amount of bug bombs in our house and we haven't had a problems since. That was nearly a year ago. I looked all over for the solution to reduce the numbers and I was amazed that it was so simple....just bug bomb the hell out of them...what do you think?

My Comment: Wish it were that easy... I'd use nothing but bombs. Those "bombs" will kill any bugs that are exposed to the aerosol particles, but BEBs that are within the walls will escape. But, yes, they can help for the ones exposed. Frankly, I think the vacuum cleaner is a better, cheaper and non-toxic solution. But whatever floats your boat...

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
Hello, we have been inundated for the past two years with tens of thousands of Box Elder bugs. We have been using the vacuum with moth crystals in the tank. It kills them but we don't even make a dent in the population. We have vinyl siding and they hide behind it. Is there a non-toxic solution?? We live in Southwest Washington state Thanks! Don Gillespie -

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
Did I mess up? I told a friend I will remove his BoxElder tree at no charge, As I want it for firewood. But it is still green, and yes, its thoroughly infested with BowElder bugs. And yes, its female. Can I block it up and spray it before I take it home? or should I just back away and not touch this hot potato? Thanks for your opinion. Your BoxElder bug web page was very interesting! Thanks, -Joe Marr (email address omitted)

My Comment: Joe, DON'T spray the wood. If you do anything, just hose it off with plain water. The bugs only attack trees of the elder family and won't bother you. A friend of mine said that box elders weren't that good for firewood - they burn quickly and leave a lot of ash and tend to "spit."

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
The valid scientific name of the Boxelder Bug is Boisea trivittata (Say). Ethan C. Kane Entomologist Communications & Taxonomic Services Unit Systematic Entomology Laboratory USDA-ARS-PSI 10300 Baltimore Avenue Bldg 005, Rm 137, BARC-West Beltsville, MD 20705

My Comment: Hmmmmm. Quite right, I just checked the latest Mallis book and it has changed. A good many of these scientific names are in flux and change quite routinely. Part of the reason I try not to use them on this site. Usually, I'm too busy killin' �em to notice....

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
the page is informative... but you dont not give any example of effective chemicals for use against the box elder invasion....... or if there are any plants or types of oils that repell them...

My Comment: Chemicals? You mean insecticides? Well, most of the ones that are really effective are restricted chemicals. Better left to the pros. As far as 'natural' products, I do not know of ANY that work. Wish I did, I would use nothing but.

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
I think this FAQ page is quite nice. I appretiate the information and the various angles covered. However, nowhere is it mentioned to help reduce the problem that one can be vigilent about cleaning up after the trees themselves. I myself have a box elder colony in my back yard (the yard next door has the tree) which I noticed the first year I moved in. Well the previous owners were less then vigilent about removing the leaves and seeds falling from this tree. And the box elder bugs had a free for all dinner. However I rake and sweep all remains of the tree in the fall and all the blown in stuff in the spring. The bugs are still around but thier numbers are greatly reduced and not a problem any more. I hope this can help some of your readers who cannot take the advice you gave for one reason or another.

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
Thank you for your candid information. I'm not thrilled with the answers, but your honesty has been very helpful. I am not having a good time with these box elder beetles, but I am thankful I found your site before I called an exterminator and was charged for something that would not work. I see that you are in NJ, are you a national company? Just wondering for future reference. Just to give you a little chuckle:my 16 pound male cat was scared off by this big 'ol bug in my house too!! Thank You,Susan

My Comment: No, we're not a national company, our service area is in South Jersey, right across from Philadelphia.

And to be fair, spraying WILL help, it's just that I find it to be a waste of time for me and a waste of money for you. So someone with MILLIONS, will get relief. BTW, my cat is a pansy too.

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
Pictures of all types of box elder bugs would be very helpful. I'm pretty sure mine are box elder bugs, but their stripes are two horizontal red stripes across the back center of their wings, so they don't look exactly like your picture, leaving me in doubt. Anyway, a really good and helpful web site. N. Chase

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
I have millions of these in a Golden Raintree. We have sprayed with everything But Detergent and now I will try that! Do all of them MATE ALL the time? And they seem to litter the floors outside the next morning DEAD! Is ths normal? We thought they were love bugs until I sent some off to the University of South Carolinaand they confirmed they are BoxElder bugs! Any further suggestions on ridding the things? Thanks P. Hatfield

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
Great page and "wow!" in understandable verbage. You didn't give the answer I wanted to rid our house of these pesky pests, but still 'enjoyed' learning about the buggers. Thank you! Frances S.

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
That picture of the boxelders on your east wall is fake, i can easily tel they are just black pixils. becaues boxelders are only 1/2inch long and obviously they cannot be as wide as that pipeline.

My Comment: BUSTED! Yeah, I did that... I just couldn't get the damned things to show up! But, just for you, I put a filter on the camera, waited til the sun was off the spot, then took another picture, this time the bugs showed up. What a pain in the neck, just for one crummy picture... The bugs are almost always there, winter and summer. I guess they don't realize they're on the wall of an exterminator's office. (Oh. And BTW, that isn't a "pipe," it's a cable TV wire.) Here's both pictures....

My Comment: Well, you'll never get to all of them, but an insecticide, sprayed directly on the eggs will kill them. So will a strong soap solution.

With soap solutions, especially strong ones, you may also affect the surrounding foliage. They can temporarily or even permanently damage some plants, if you aren't careful.

And whenever you use any kind of insecticide, you have to follow all of the directions on the label. The insects you're targeting should also be listed on that label. What I usually recommend, when you're handling insecticides, I

put

on this popup.

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
Box Elder bugs do have a natural predator. The Praying Mantis, I discovered this by putting Box Elders in the Praying Mantis's jar, and low and behold, he ate every one of them. All seven of them were gone.The bugs's scent does not seem to bother the Praying Mantis. If there are any questions about my discovery please e-mail me. (email address omitted)

My Comment: Technically, of course, you're correct. They actually have a few other animals that predate on them. Problem is, is that there are so many! As an example, if you had put that same praying mantis in a cage with 1000 box elder bugs, the next morning there's still going to be 994. It's kinda like if someone gave you 1000 pizzas, would you gobble all 1000 down, even though you loved pizza?

Normally, when people complain about box elder bugs, they're talking LOTS of box elder bugs, so you'd need an appropriate amount of praying mantises to eat LOTS of box elder bugs. Most of the people I know, would really freak if they saw that many praying mantises, I don't know about you. Other natural predators are even less acceptable: snakes and other reptiles, geese, turkey, guinea fowl, mice, common rodents and other small animals.

It's always nice if you can use natural predators, but modern civilization has so screwed up the natural environment that what should work, often doesn't.

http://www.unexco.com/boxelder.html
Your page was very informative, but it needs more pictures of the tree in various stages. The one you have is of the branch structure. I needed to find one that shows the leaves and structures of the leaves on the tree.

My Comment: Believe me, that's what I wanted to do, but this lady "just couldn't stands it no mo' " and had it cut down a few weeks after the picture was taken. No one was more disappointed than me, but I didn't have "hundreds of bugs crawling all over everything," like she did.

Actually, the best picture to have is the one without the leaves. Just the branching pattern tells you exactly what it is. In leaf, the tree is actually unremarkable. I have not run across a suitable tree to give you a complete, four season photo set of the tree - it's on my Web wish list.