I like this board because there are so many creative minds. For those, I’ve got a creative question that has nothing to do with the building trade.
This summer is a bad one for Box-Elder bugs, and I’ve tried everything to rid us of these pesky little critters along the sunny side of our house. Then I stumbled onto this brainy idea….why not make my own sort-of fly paper and stick those little devils.
So my question: what adhesive that I can spread/spray onto a 2′ X 4′ piece of masonite is really sticky and will remain sticky when exposed to air and direct sunlight?
BruceM
Replies
I can't suggest any particular sticky stuff but what ever you use, it seems the masonite would absorb it. I'd suggest priming the masonite with Kilz or Bin first.
Got a question though. why not just use fly paper? Its cheap - you could use a lot of it.
Any way, don't let it bug you too much.
- WebTrooper -
BruceM
Boxelder bugs are more attracted to light colors (hence the reason they congregate on white or light walls, especially on the south or west sides). Never thought of using sticky traps. The local Cooperative Extension recommends vacuuming them up, as they will leave an unremovable purple stain if you squash them.
One more thing, you can cut down on your population of Boxelder bugs if you can remove the female Boxelder (Acer negundo), also known as Ash-leaved Maple.
Good luck.Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good w/ketchup.
Thanks for the replies
Actually, the female Box Elder tree was where the bugs were first reported, but they nest in Cedars, Firs, mulch or just about anywhere they can get cover for the night and flyout when it warms up the next day.
Vacuuming really doesn't help...another wave just comes the next day.
Molasses is an interesting idea, but I'm asking Tanglefoot their recommendation. However, if I can find flypaper available locally, I'll give it a try.
Another idea I have is borate. I believe this works by clinging to the oily backs of insects, gradually dissolving the oil, causing them to suffocate, as they breath through small openings in their exoskelatons, with the oil providing a sort of one way valve effect...and borates are completely harmless to the environment. Does anyone have any experience with borates?
BruceM
Borate is commonly used here in apartment buildings with cockroach troubles - it works well for that application.
One natural sticky trap is pine sap.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
Bruce,
I use tanglefoot to make traps for garden.
http://www.tanglefoot.com/products/
KK
Mollasses (sp) is the original substance used.