If you’ve lived in Minnesota for any length of time, you’ve likely seen them–red and black bugs are clustering on sunny walls, crawling along window frames, or even popping up inside your home.
Boxelder bugs are a common seasonal nuisance, and while they don’t pose serious health risks, they can be an overwhelming and frustrating problem once they get inside.
The good news? You don’t always need to wait for a professional to take action. With the right approach, DIY prevention strategies can drastically reduce boxelder bug activity in and around your home.
At Abra Kadabra Environmental Services, we believe in empowering Minnesota homeowners with knowledge to protect their own properties. Below, we break down practical, step-by-step solutions you can implement on your own, including sealing entry points, applying the right sprays, and handling bugs that make it inside.
Why Are Boxelder Bugs Targeting Your Home?
Boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) are harmless, but highly persistent overwintering pests. In the fall, they seek out warm, protected spaces to ride out the cold Minnesota winters– making your home an ideal shelter.
They’re particularly drawn to:
- Sun-facing surfaces (south- and west-facing walls)
- Cracks and gaps in siding, windows, doors, and soffits
- Nearby food sources such as boxelder, maple, and ash trees
Although they don’t reproduce indoors or damage the home’s structure, their presence is annoying, and their waste can stain walls, curtains, and upholstery.
So, how do you keep these pesky red-and-black visitors from moving in? It’s simpler than you might think—just follow a few straightforward steps to seal, protect, and maintain your home.
Step 1: Seal Entry Points
Prevention starts with keeping boxelder bugs from getting inside in the first place. Sealing your home is one of the most effective and affordable long-term solutions.
What to Check & Seal:
-
Windows
- Replace or repair torn screens
- Caulk gaps between frames and siding
- Add weather stripping where needed
-
Doors
- Install or replace door sweeps
- Use weather stripping around door jambs
- Pay attention to garage doors– bugs often sneak in here, too
-
Siding & Exterior Gaps
- Use silicone or latex-based exterior-grade caulk to seal:
- Cracks in the foundation
- Gaps around pipes, vents, and wires
- Openings under eaves and fascia boards
- Use silicone or latex-based exterior-grade caulk to seal:
-
Attic Vents & Soffits
-
Chimneys
- Make sure your chimney has a tight-fitting cap
- Inspect flashing for gaps
Tip: Complete sealing work in late summer or early fall, before temperatures drop and boxelder bugs start gathering.
Step 2: Apply a Perimeter Spray
Sealing is essential, but for an added layer of protection, you’ll want to apply a residual insecticide around your home’s exterior.
What Kind of Spray Should You Use?
Look for products labeled for boxelder bugs that contain ingredients like:
- Deltamethrin
- Bifenthrin
- Cypermethrin
These are synthetic pyrethroids, which are effective and commonly used in residential pest control. Make sure to choose a residual spray and follow label instructions for safe application.
Where to Spray:
- Along the foundation of your home
- Around windows and doors
- Under siding edges
- Around vents, soffits, and rooflines
- On sunny exterior walls
Spray in late summer (August–September) before they start migrating. Reapply every few weeks if warm weather persists into October.
Note: Always keep pets and children away from freshly treated areas until dry.
Step 3: Vacuum–Don’t Crush
Even with prevention, a few persistent boxelder bugs may still get inside. Removing them correctly prevents stains and odors.
Why You Shouldn’t Crush Boxelder Bugs:
- They release a foul-smelling odor when squished
- Their bodies can leave stains on walls, floors, and fabrics
Vacuuming Tips:
- Use a vacuum with a disposable bag (ideally a shop vac with a filter)
- Empty the bag immediately into an outdoor trash bin
- Clean the vacuum nozzle with rubbing alcohol afterward to reduce odor
Don’t use a bagless vacuum. Boxelder bugs release odors and may leave residue inside the canister, making your vacuum smell and potentially reduce functionality.
Tip: If you frequently deal with indoor boxelder bugs, designate a cheap handheld or shop vacuum specifically for this job.
Step 4: Repeat and Maintain
Boxelder bugs are seasonal pests–returning each fall. Here’s how to stay on top of it year after year.
Annual Maintenance Checklist:
- Inspect and reseal caulking and weather stripping each summer
- Trim back vegetation touching your house
- Remove boxelder tree seed pods from your yard regularly
- Consider removing female boxelder trees near your home
- Schedule a professional treatment each year an added safeguard
How Abra Kadabra Can Help
While DIY methods work well for light infestations, sometimes the problem is too persistent to handle alone. You may need professional help if:
- You’re seeing dozens or hundreds of boxelder bugs daily
- They’ve infested inaccessible areas (walls, attic, behind siding)
- DIY sprays don’t seem to reduce the population
- You’re tired of repeating the same process every fall
At Abra Kadabra Environmental Services, we offer:
- Detailed and thorough home inspections
- Professional-grade treatments not available in stores
- Seasonal pest protection plans
- Expert guidance on sealing and exclusion
We serve homeowners across Minnesota who want lasting, responsible, and family-safe pest control. With decades of experience in Minnesota’s unique climate, we know precisely how to tackle boxelder bugs effectively–and keep them away.
In Conclusion
Boxelder bugs don’t bite, sting, or cause property damage, but that doesn’t mean they’re welcome houseguests. The formula for keeping them out is simple:
- Seal up entry points
- Spray the exterior proactively
- Vacuum instead of crushing
- Repeat annually
And when in doubt, Abra Kadabra is just a call away.
Don’t wait until your walls are crawling — schedule your seasonal boxelder bug treatment today with Abra Kadabra Environmental Services.
Call now or book online for a free consultation. We’ll help you stop the bugs before they move in.
