Are you tired of those pesky boxelder bugs invading your home and garden?
These bugs can be a real nuisance, congregating in areas heated by the afternoon sun and feeding on the juices produced by trees in the acer family.
But fear not, there are natural solutions to get rid of them, including the use of neem oil.
Neem oil is a vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the neem tree and has been used for centuries as a natural repellent against bugs.
In this article, we’ll explore whether neem oil is an effective solution to kill boxelder bugs and how to use it safely.
So, let’s dive in and learn more about this natural pest control method!
Will Neem Oil Kill Boxelder Bugs?
The short answer is yes, neem oil can kill boxelder bugs.
Neem oil contains active compounds such as nimbin, azadirachtin, nimbolide, and nimbidin that have insecticidal effects. These compounds penetrate the bugs’ exoskeletons, dehydrating and killing them in a matter of hours.
Neem oil is non-toxic and safe to use around plants and in your garden. You can spray it on trees that are a home for boxelders or make a neem oil spray using two tablespoons of neem essential oil and about two cups of water. Mix the oil and water in a spray bottle and spray it on ash, maple, female boxelder trees, and all around your house.
Understanding Boxelder Bugs And Their Behavior
Boxelder bugs are nuisance pests that are commonly found in homes and on the sunny exterior sides of buildings. They are not known to cause significant damage to plants or homes, but their feces can stain light colored surfaces.
During the spring and summer, boxelder bugs feed and reproduce on female (seed-bearing) box elder trees. Occasionally, they may also feed on male box elder, maple, ash, and some fruit trees. This can sometimes result in minor deformities in fruits and leaves or yellow leaf discoloration. As winter approaches, boxelder bugs seek out shelter from the cold. They can fly up to two miles to find a suitable location in tree stumps, under debris, or within homes. There they remain mostly inactive until the early spring when temperatures begin to rise.
One of the endearing qualities of boxelder bugs is that they can release bad-smelling/tasting chemicals to discourage predators. Like many other insects with similar capabilities, they have bright orange or red markings to warn predators off. That defense mechanism may be why boxelder bugs feel comfortable hanging around – often in large crowds – in plain sight, while most other insects work hard to stay hidden.
To control boxelder bugs naturally, you can use neem oil as it is non-toxic and safe for use around plants and in your garden. Neem oil contains active compounds that penetrate the bugs’ exoskeletons, dehydrating and killing them in a matter of hours. You can spray it on trees that are a home for boxelders or make a neem oil spray using two tablespoons of neem essential oil and about two cups of water. Mix the oil and water in a spray bottle and spray it on ash, maple, female boxelder trees, and all around your house.
What Is Neem Oil And How Does It Work?
Neem oil is a vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the neem tree, which is native to North and West India. It contains multiple active compounds, with azadirachtin being the most active. Azadirachtin reduces insect feeding and acts as a repellent, while also interfering with insect hormone systems, making it harder for insects to grow and lay eggs. Other components of neem oil kill insects by hindering their ability to feed.
Neem oil doesn’t kill insects on contact but rather slowly alters their behavior. The active ingredient in the oil is azadirachtin, which accounts for over 90 percent of the oil’s effectiveness and causes the insects who suck it out of plants to lose some of their natural instincts and eat less food, grow slowly and stop laying eggs. Over time, this dramatically affects the size of pest populations and prevents them from getting out of control in your garden.
The ways that neem oil impacts the insects that feed on it can be summarized as follows:
– It controls feeding by giving the insects a sense of nausea that stops them from going back for more neem-coated leaves.
– The oil prevents insects from going through their life stages by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for making them molt out of larva and into adults.
– When insect larva is exposed to neem oil they later develop into abnormal adults and can’t fully reach sexual maturity.
– Adult insects that eat neem become sterile and even lose the hormones that make them want to mate, meaning that they don’t reproduce.
– Female insects exposed to neem often stop laying eggs, and the eggs that come into contact with neem oil usually don’t hatch or hatch into deformed larva.
How To Use Neem Oil To Get Rid Of Boxelder Bugs
There are two ways to use neem oil to get rid of boxelder bugs: by planting neem in your garden or by making a neem oil spray.
Firstly, planting neem in your garden is a natural way to repel boxelder bugs. Neem belongs to the Mahogany family and is native to Asia, specifically North and West India. It has been used for centuries as a natural repellent against bugs. The active compounds in neem oil contain insecticidal effects that make it an effective solution against boxelder bugs.
Secondly, you can make a neem oil spray by combining two tablespoons of neem essential oil with about two cups of water. Mix the oil and water in a spray bottle and spray it on ash, maple, female boxelder trees, and all around your house. This non-toxic repellent is safe to use and causes no damage to plants unless the solution is mixed too strongly.
It’s important to note that neem oil should be used outside the house, specifically in your garden or on trees that are a home for boxelders. If you have an indoor infestation of boxelder bugs, it’s best to use a homemade solution made from handy household ingredients such as liquid dish soap diluted in water.
Safety Precautions When Using Neem Oil As A Pest Control Method
While neem oil is generally considered safe and effective, it’s important to take certain precautions when using it as a pest control method. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
1. Wear protective clothing: When applying neem oil, it’s important to wear protective clothing such as gloves, long sleeves, and pants. This will prevent the oil from coming into contact with your skin and causing irritation.
2. Use the right concentration: Neem oil should be diluted before use. Using too strong a concentration can harm plants and beneficial insects. Follow the instructions on the label carefully to ensure you’re using the correct amount.
3. Avoid spraying in windy conditions: Spraying neem oil on a windy day can cause it to drift and potentially harm unintended targets. Wait for a calm day to apply the spray.
4. Keep children and pets away: While neem oil is safe for humans when used properly, it can be harmful to pets and children if ingested. Keep them away from the treated area until the spray has dried.
5. Don’t use near water sources: Neem oil can be harmful to fish and other aquatic creatures, so avoid using it near water sources or on aquatic plants.
6. Store safely: Store neem oil in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent spills or leaks.
By following these safety precautions, you can effectively use neem oil as a pest control method without causing harm to yourself or the environment.
Other Natural Ways To Repel Boxelder Bugs From Your Home And Garden
Aside from neem oil, there are other natural ways to repel boxelder bugs from your home and garden. Here are some methods you can try:
1. Homemade box elder bug spray – Mix two tablespoons of neem oil with a gallon of water to create a homemade box elder bug spray. Spray the solution on areas where the critters love to hang out.
2. Soap and water solution – A simple solution made from soap and water can also kill boxelder bugs. Add a tablespoon or so of liquid dishwashing soap to a spray bottle full of water and shake gently to combine. Spray the mixture directly on any bugs you see. The soap breaks down the bugs’ outer shells, dehydrating and killing them.
3. Hand picking – One of the best organic pest management methods for controlling larger insects like boxelder bugs is to pick them off the plant and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Wear gloves to make it easier.
4. White vinegar, hot water, and dish soap – Combining hot water, white vinegar, and dish soap in a spray bottle can repel boxelder bugs from your home. Spray the mixture on areas where the bugs congregate.
By using these natural methods, you can repel boxelder bugs without resorting to harmful chemicals or pesticides.
