Boxelder bugs are often found in Upstate New York throughout the fall time. Here's a simple way to keep them out of your home or workplace.

 

These bugs are usually not noticed during summer time. However, in the fall time they can become an issue because they try to move into homes as they search for overwintering sites according to the DEC.

Adult boxelder bugs are about 1/2-inch long, black with orange or red markings, including three stripes on the prothorax, the area right behind the head. Their wings lay flat over their bodies, overlapping each other to form an 'X'. The immature nymphs are 1/16th-inch long and bright red when they first hatch. As they grow older and become larger, they are red and black. You can potentially see all stages at any given time during the summer."

Boxelder bugs are harmless. They do not bite or sting and they are not attracted to food like ants. However, they can still be very annoying. They do emit a bad odor when crushed and have a bitter taste if your pets bite or eat one.

What Herb Can Keep Them Away?

There's a handy household herb that can send box elder bugs running away. According to HouseDigest, boxelder bugs don't like the natural chemicals in sage. So if you either buy a few sage plants (or already have them planted in your garden), you're already ahead of the game.

If you don't have any sage in your garden, like me, you can make your own natural sage-based box elder spray. HouseDigest explains how:

Boil a handful of dried sage in water until the liquid darkens. Strain this infused liquid, let it cool, and pour it into a spray bottle. Your DIY sage repellent is ready to go — target areas where boxelder bugs congregate."

Have you tried this? Let us know if this tip is useful when you text us on our station app.

8 Annoying Insects We Still Deal With During Fall In New York

Fall in Upstate New York is a time of beautiful colors, crisp air, and pumpkin-spiced everything. However, you still need to lookout for annoying bugs.

Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler

15 Toxic Plants That Linger During Fall In Upstate New York

As Fall kicks in all across Upstate New York, while you're enjoying the beautiful colors, you need to still watch out for these 15 toxic plants that linger.

Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler

15 Must Visit Restaurants In Upstate New York For Fall Delights

According to ChatGPT, the fall season brings in a harvest of flavors that inspire chefs across Upstate New York.

You'll find menus filled with dishes showcasing the region's freshest produce, such as crisp apples, hearty squashes, and earthy mushrooms. Don't miss out on savory pumpkin dishes, warm cider-based cocktails, and delectable apple desserts. These flavors capture the essence of autumn and infuse each meal with a comforting, seasonal spirit."

Creating this curated list of 15 exceptional restaurants in Upstate New York was made possible with the assistance of ChatGPT, an advanced AI language model. So, whether you're a local looking to explore new dining spots or a traveler seeking authentic fall flavors, ChatGPT wants you to explore Upstate New York. Here's our list of 15:

Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler

 

More From 97.7/97.3 The Wolf