Box Elder help
December 12, 2010 7:21 pm
First, I want to thank you for this site. I’m using it in a mental health capacity to help with my bug phobia. It’s really helpful to look at the pictures and descriptions and learn about individual insects and creatures. It helps to demystify them and I’m finding myself much less scared of harmless bugs I see now.
Secondly, I live in Wisconsin where it is bitter cold and blowing snow right now. I’ve noticed a box elder bug is taking refuge in my apartment. I know he or she is harmless, so am using this as an opportunity to calm my fears and let this creature exist in my home with me instead of forcing it outside where it will surely freeze to death.
What I’m wondering is if there is any reason I shouldn’t continue to let it hang out in my home, and also how long it might survive in here as opposed to outside. Thanks a lot!
Signature: Rosemary
Hi Rosemary,
Thanks so much for your kind letter. Our readers who are plagued by Boxelder Bug home invasions will be amused with your solitary visitor. Boxelder Bugs often seek shelter indoors in prodigious when cold weather arrives, and they will pass the winter in comfort while waiting for spring to arrive. The Boxelder Bug will not harm your home and there is no reason why you shouldn’t allow it to remain.
