Red and black bugs invading your home? How to get rid of boxelder bugs

If you’re seeing swarms of red and black bugs in and around your house, they might be boxelder bugs, sometimes known as maple bugs.

The good news is that they’re not dangerous to people.

The bad news is that they often come in large groups, making them an annoying fall pest.

Thankfully, boxelder bugs are relatively easy to manage. A mixture of dish soap can kill them on contact, and a vacuum can help you get rid of bugs that get inside. Sealing cracks and other entry points around your house can also keep them out. And if the infestation is severe, consider calling a pest professional that can get them out for good.

To get rid of boxelder bugs, start with vacuuming or sweeping up any inside. For outdoor populations, especially around your home, spray a small amount of dish soap diluted in water to kill them. You can do this several times per day as needed.

Most importantly, seal cracks where boxelder bugs are getting in. This can include cracks around windows, doors, utility pipes and your home’s foundation.

If these steps still aren’t getting an infestation under control, consider calling a professional. Professionals have several tools to…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/