Cisco Sonar

 

Box ElderBugs

One of my true nemeses, the Box Elder bugs are here since they never left this summer. They are commonly known by entomologists as "scentless plant bugs" which is a misnomer because the can release a pungent odor to repel predators.  They are around all the time feeding on plant leaves but are not seen in large numbers until fall when the adults start to seek out areas to overwinter.  They are also known (Bobbie Coary will love this) as "Democrat bugs" because they show up in October near the elections.  They came out for the primaries this year.  I have never seen so many in the past 52 years.   They love to suck the fluid of the seeds of Box Elder trees and other member of the Acer family which include maples and there are plenty of where I live in Bridgerland.  They can fly up to two blocks so forget about cutting down trees to minimize their numbers.  This fall I noticed huge concentrations feeding on the seed pods of my lilac bushes.  I promptly sprayed them with Permethrin which kills them immediately and is safe to use around everything else.  I then sprayed around the house foundation and under the vinyl siding which seems to be a preferred wintering site.  They love warm south facing buildings.  Their numbers are highest after hot, dry summers and frost-free fall which means to me that the prettier the leaves the more Box Elder bugs. Unfortunately, the lack of a cold winter has allowed their numbers to increase beyond belief.   Now, even though it's hot, they're out by the thousands landing on you and being in the house, car and everywhere else. Not sure what it will be like when we finally get a cold snap and they must find a place to go.  I would love to tell you that my pesticide treatment (for the chemophobes use a vacuum) solved the problem but it didn't. They continued to arrive.  Now I can deal with them outside, but when I pour a cup of coffee in the morning and find one swimming in the cup my mood changes.  Not much we can do but tolerate and cuss them and hope for cold weather which I really don't want to do. The ones lucky enough to find a crack to stay in will survive and the others will perish.       

 Bryce