Box Elder Bugs

[AR-15]

Anybody getting tired of them?

 

[Jiffy]

Haven’t seen a single one.

 

[Ruttin]

I have seen two and killed two. Now those asian bettles are another thing

 

[bucksnbears]

Just tore some old siding off a house today

 

[NodakBob]

Ya I am sick of em already…probably have a million or more all over everything that’s in the sun. Especially any doors on the west side of the house. And I have a dog that is super sensitive and has seizures if I put any chemicals in the yard…fertilizer, weed or bug killer; so I just vacuum them up to clean up a doorway.

 

[Ruttin]

Just tore some old siding off a house today

TEMPO!!!!

 

[tikkalover]

Mix a little dish soap with the Tempo.

 

[wslayer]

2nd the Tempo

 

[LBrandt]

Soapy water will do them in, it plugs up their breathing. Put a light over kitchen sink that has soapy water in it and leave it over night with no other lights on then drain in morning. You will kill a lot that way. LB

 

[wslayer]

Soapy water will do them in, it plugs up their breathing. Put a light over kitchen sink that has soapy water in it and leave it over night with no other lights on then drain in morning. You will kill a lot that way. LB

Would rather get them before they are indoors. . .

 

[NDSportsman]

Yeah soapy water will kill them too if you can't use other chemicals but I think you have to hit them directly with it. My advice is cut down and remove all box elder trees on your property if you really want to get rid of them. Since removing ours we only get an occasional one now and then.

 

[257Bob]

No Boxelder trees anywhere near, still get the little pests. I think the guy across the street sneaks them in just to piss me off.

 

[Lycanthrope]

Crispy Boxelder Bug “Popcorn” Bites“The snack that bites back—until you bite it first!”
Serves: 4 brave souls (or 1 very hungry survivalist)
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 18 min
Taste profile: Nutty, slightly smoky, with a citrusy “what-did-I-just-eat?” finish

---

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh boxelder bugs (collected from maple/boxelder trees, pesticide-free)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil or butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp citrus zest (lemon or orange—cuts the bitterness)
• Pinch of sea salt
• Optional: hot sauce or honey drizzle for daredevils

---

Instructions

1. Harvest & Clean
   • Gently rinse bugs in a colander under cold water. Pat dry with a paper towel.
   • Pro tip: Freeze for 10 min—they’ll go dormant and won’t squirm.
2. Sauté the Squad
   • Heat oil/butter in a skillet over medium-high.
   • Toss in bugs. They’ll sizzle and pop like tiny popcorn kernels! Stir 2–3 min until wings crisp and bodies turn reddish-brown.
3. Season & Roast
   • Sprinkle garlic, paprika, zest, and salt. Stir 1 min.
   • Transfer to a baking sheet. Broil 3–4 min for extra crunch (watch closely!).
4. Serve with Swagger
   • Pile into a bowl. Drizzle with hot sauce or honey.
   • Pair with cold beer or apple cider to wash down the “adventure.”

---

Serving Suggestions

• Truth-or-Dare Platter: Serve blindfolded with regular popcorn—guess which is which!
• Halloween Party Trick: Call them “Crimson Crickets” and watch guests freak out… then munch.
• Protein Boost: Crumble over salads for a “foraged” crunch.

---

Warning: May cause spontaneous storytelling.
Allergy note: Skip if allergic to shellfish (similar proteins). “Not gourmet… but definitely a conversation starter!”

 

[LBrandt]

That would require a lot of booze. LB

 

[NodakBob]

I’m going to try the dish soap approach, thanks! My hot tub looks like boxelder bug soup…

 

[Jiffy]

Crispy Boxelder Bug “Popcorn” Bites“The snack that bites back—until you bite it first!”
Serves: 4 brave souls (or 1 very hungry survivalist)
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 18 min
Taste profile: Nutty, slightly smoky, with a citrusy “what-did-I-just-eat?” finish

---

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh boxelder bugs (collected from maple/boxelder trees, pesticide-free)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil or butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp citrus zest (lemon or orange—cuts the bitterness)
• Pinch of sea salt
• Optional: hot sauce or honey drizzle for daredevils

---

Instructions

1. Harvest & Clean
   • Gently rinse bugs in a colander under cold water. Pat dry with a paper towel.
   • Pro tip: Freeze for 10 min—they’ll go dormant and won’t squirm.
2. Sauté the Squad
   • Heat oil/butter in a skillet over medium-high.
   • Toss in bugs. They’ll sizzle and pop like tiny popcorn kernels! Stir 2–3 min until wings crisp and bodies turn reddish-brown.
3. Season & Roast
   • Sprinkle garlic, paprika, zest, and salt. Stir 1 min.
   • Transfer to a baking sheet. Broil 3–4 min for extra crunch (watch closely!).
4. Serve with Swagger
   • Pile into a bowl. Drizzle with hot sauce or honey.
   • Pair with cold beer or apple cider to wash down the “adventure.”

---

Serving Suggestions

• Truth-or-Dare Platter: Serve blindfolded with regular popcorn—guess which is which!
• Halloween Party Trick: Call them “Crimson Crickets” and watch guests freak out… then munch.
• Protein Boost: Crumble over salads for a “foraged” crunch.

---

Warning: May cause spontaneous storytelling.
Allergy note: Skip if allergic to shellfish (similar proteins). “Not gourmet… but definitely a conversation starter!”

I wonder what they’ll taste like with Mexican vanilla

 

[tikkalover]

I’m going to try the dish soap approach, thanks! My hot tub looks like boxelder bug soup…

That's better than it looking like egg drop soup.

 

[Lycanthrope]

I wonder what they’ll taste like with Mexican vanilla

obviously better!

 

[LBrandt]

Anybody getting tired of them?

To long and mild fall. They just don't quit. LB

 

[Mike Fretty]

No Boxelder trees anywhere near, still get the little pests. I think the guy across the street sneaks them in just to piss me off.

I think dead wood/debris in general is their huckleberry