Usually, yes. Vacuuming visible boxelder bugs can be less messy than crushing them directly against walls, curtains, or other surfaces.
Boxelder bugs don’t eat structures and they’re not dangerous to people. That doesn’t mean you want a whole lot of them in your home this winter. If you see a lot of them on your windows and walls this winter, you have every reason to be frustrated.
It’s tempting to crush them, but it’s not a good idea. Body fluids from crushed insects may stain light-colored walls, curtains, upholstery, or fabrics. Large numbers can also produce an unpleasant odor.
If you want to easily remove them, try vacuuming instead, especially if you have a vacuum with a bag. This lets you collect them without crushing them and then empty the bag outside. You can also knock them into a bowl of water and dish soap. It works for stink bugs too.
Of course, vacuuming only helps with the bugs you can see. If boxelder bugs are appearing indoors during fall or winter, many may have entered earlier through small exterior gaps. They hide deep inside the structural voids until your home's heating system or a sunny afternoon tricks them into waking up. By the time you see them in winter, they've probably been there a long time.
Better than removing bugs is preventing them from getting inside. You can reduce how many get in by inspecting windows, doors, siding transitions, soffits, vents, utility penetrations, and other seams before fall activity becomes heavy. Repair damaged screens and seal appropriate openings, but make sure you don’t accidentally seal anything needed for ventilation of the home.
If boxelder bugs are becoming a problem around your Greater Lansing property, Mosquito Squad of Greater Lansing can help with pest control around the property. Call (517) 798-8681 or request a free quote online.
