box elder bugs

brainfart

Active Member
the problem.




I found a box elder bug on the plant today but the internet says they don't feed on houseplants but I can't think of anything else that would be doing it. Does anyone have experience with this?
 

brainfart

Active Member
ya im having the same problem not as bad ..did you find out anything

no sir, but I have had more leaf damage and found a second box elder bug on my plant, so I am assuming that's what it is. From my research there is nothing you can do about them besides just kill them when you see them.
 

retardigraded

Active Member
Googled your problem and got this: http://www.pesticide.org/boxelderbugs.html

The good news is that if they're nibbling on your plants, it's probably because they're trapped in your house and are starving (they're herbivores). Bad news is that they're prolly in your house cause they're looking for some place to overwinter, so insect sprays are only a temporary solution.

I would try one of those hot shots no pest strips (I love those things) and maybe sawing down your neighbor's box elder trees when they're not home :)
 

souldoubt

Member
I have leaf damage that looks exactly the same and I always see these fuckers crawling around my plants! They're not overwhelming though. I usually find 3-5 of them in the room each day and I just smash those fuckers! Damage seems to be pretty limited... only a 1-2 leaves I've seen. It almost seems like they like the warmth of the lights more than anything. They're never eating when I show up... but they do seem kinda smart for bugs. They definitely sense your presence. As I was just snapping a picture of one it fuckin' tensed up...

Man, we had a huge infestation of these things when I was a kid at our house. They would gather in INSANE numbers on the side of our house that was warm... my mom always made me go out and spray them with soapy water to kill those fuckers.

Anyway, bottom line, I don't think they're too much of a problem. I am a little worried that they'll be harder to spot when plants are bushier, but it should be warmer by then and hopefully they'll be heading outside.
 
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