The bugs are back. *shivers*
Box Elder Bugs are those black insects with red or orange markings on their bodies. They are primarily attracted to box elder trees but can also attach to other types of maple and ash trees as well. They can also be found everywhere, on everyone and in everything!
One of our morning show hosts had one sitting on her mic this morning and I had one fly into my hair yesterday... *Shivers again.*
These bugs are relatively harmless, but when crushed, they release an unpleasant smell that may also attract even more of the bugs. *Shivers again, again.*
So, you may be wondering how to avoid an infestation.
According to the Farmer's Almanac, the best way to minimize the presence of these nasty little Halloween bugs around your home or business is by controlling their population outdoors. Here are some practical steps.
- Make sure to repair, replace or seal damaged window screens, weather stripping or cracks and gaps on your home’s exterior that can act as an access point for bug entry.
- Prune and maintain nearby trees and shrubs. Regular maintenance of plants will help minimize a potential habitat.
- Apply insecticidal soaps or pesticide controls. If there are large groups of bugs, consider applying insecticidal soap or other targeted pesticides to kill the insects before they move inside. Please make sure you do this safely - away from kids and pets.
- Sprinkle borax or diatomaceous earth: Sprinkling these across doorways or windowsills at the beginning of winter to discourage the bugs from trying to move in again.
- Remove any box elder trees from your yard: Since these trees serve as the primary host, removing them from your property will likely discourage infestations.
It's a bug's life and a bug's world - we're just living in it, but if they start piling up indoors, use a vacuum or broom to sweep them up, and make sure everything is sealed so they can't find an entrance.
May the odds be ever in your favour, folks.
Info from: www.farmersalmanac.com