The Beetles: The Invasion Tour

©Eric S Chernenkoff

No. I’m not talking about George, Ringo, John and Paul. I’m talking about those pesky little boxelder bugs that have invaded the front of our home.

I have vainly searched for a safe and humane (Safe and humane for my family. Not the boxelders, I am not an advocate for bug rights. Sorry.) way to get rid of the horde of invaders to no avail. I may as well post a sign on the front of my house that reads: Boxelder Resort. I have also found that these little creatures love to bathe in the sun. Particularly, on light colored brick houses facing the south. Of all the luck, the front of our home faces south and is light colored brick. Perhaps I could make some extra pocket change by offering my resort guests towels, lounge chairs and sun block.

While the front of our house on a sunny autumn day looks like a set from an X-Files episode, I’ve learned that these insects are primarily harmless. They are a nuisance if they get into your house, but that can be prevented by ensuring all openings are tightly sealed and caulked. If they do make their way in, it’s recommended that you vacuum them up. Apparently, squashing the little critters can leave a nasty red stain and a most unpleasant odor wafting in the air. For the outside, certain insecticides have been suggested to help. And, there are even recipes for a soap solution that will wash your invasion away. I’ve tried several or the insecticides, and have found the invaders do not die easily. And, even when they do, it seems that for everyone killed, two more return the following day. Perhaps it’s time to give Muldur and Skully a call.

Concerned about contaminating my local air, soil and ground water with any more insecticide attempts, and satisfied that our visitors are not finding their way indoors, I’ve abandoned all attempts at trying to discourage their sun bathing on our home’s facade. In attempting to find opportunities and challenges, even in defeat, I’ve taken to photographing the pests. With their dark bodies and distinctive red markings, they make interesting subjects for macro photography.

Perhaps, along with guest towels, lounge chairs and sun block, I can now offer these little critters a nice photo album commemorating their stay at the “Boxelder Resort”.

You can read more about Boxelder bugs here at the Ohio State University.

More later…
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