How to Kill Asian Beetles and Box Elder Bugs

Box elder bugs and Japanese Asian beetles are both fall pests. They come out in mass to breed in the fall and are surprisingly resistant to most insecticide due to sheer numbers. While these insects are basically benign, they can stain walls and carpeting, release pungent smells and serve as general annoyances. The best offense is a preventative approach to getting rid of these bugs before they arrive. However, there are some simple measures that can quickly kill bugs already in the house.

Vacuum

Shop Vac

Stocking

Laundry detergent

Spray bottle

Insecticide

Chain saw

Tree removal company

Vacuum up the Asian beetles when you see them in the home. This is the easiest method to getting rid of beetles indoors. Those who want to preserve the beetle's life can use the nozzle attachment and place the foot of one stocking between the nozzle and the hose to catch the ladybugs as they are sucked up. They can then be taken outside and deposited dazed, but alive.

In the early fall, before the beetles arrive, spray your home with a pyrethrin-based insecticide. Don't worry about the yard or trees, just spray the outside of the house and any openings or areas the bugs might use to get into the house. Focus the spray on the sunny spots and west side of the home.

Spray Asian beetles directly with CB 80 aerosol. This is a pyrethrin-based insecticide in a spray form. It takes out the insects on contact and also works as a preventative spray around windows and cracks inside the home.

Using a vacuum to suck up the box elder bugs is an effective measure both indoors and out. Use a regular vacuum inside and a shop vacuum outside. They also can be saved using the stocking foot method, by placing the foot of one stocking between the nozzle and hose of the vacuum. These bugs do release a pungent chemical when disturbed, but aren't poisonous.

Spray the bugs with a mixture of laundry detergent and water. This is a quick solution to put together and kills the bugs on contact. It is not a preventative measure and won't help keep bugs out, if sprayed around the home. Use a solution of 3 percent detergent to water.

Get rid of female box elder trees. These bugs are primarily attracted to these trees, as they love to feast on the seed pods and deposit their eggs under the leaves. Cut down the trees and the bugs will stop breeding, eventually leaving your home.

Wear a mask when vacuuming up Box Elders to avoid their pungent chemical defense.

Ladybugs and box elders are not poisonous or harmful.

Spray the outside of the house with insecticide before fall.

Ladybugs do occasionally bite.

Both insects can overwhelm with sheer numbers.