Resources

These are box elder bugs. They're a nuisance, but they are not dangerous; your best bet is to ignore them. If you vacuum them, empty the vacuum bag immediately afterwards in a container outside, as they emit an odor. Visit the Oregon Extension Service’s fact sheet for more information.

Plant services is not licensed to spray the interiors of buildings. Outside perimeters are sprayed on a rotating schedule for other pests, but outside spray is not likely to keep spiders from entering.

The most effective method for removing spiders is the use of sticky traps. Sticky traps are available at plant services on request, and must be picked up in person. If you do set up a sticky trap, they must be set on level surfaces and away from fabric. Recommended placement is around entries such as doors. Regularly vacuuming your area will also prevent spiders from getting comfortably settled or forming nests.

To repel spiders, a pleasant and non-toxic way of doing so is through scent. Spiders (and rodents) do not like the smell of mint. Lavender, mint, citronella, lemon and eucalyptus are all spider-repelling scents. Products using plant oils (labeled "natural" or "essential oil") will be more effective than artificial scents.

Here is the recipe for dealing with sugar ants:

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup boric acid (you can also use the laundry booster known as "20 Mule Team Borax")
• One tablespoon yeast

Make little piles of this mixture around areas of infestation. In about two weeks the nest should be gone.

Fruit flies can be annoying and can suddenly take over an area unexpectedly, any time of year. To get rid of them, make sure that your food trash has been taken out and that surfaces are clean of any food or sticky residue. (Fruit flies can be attracted to glue!) Create a simple trap for fruit flies by doing the following:

• Find a bowl or waterproof container that has straight sides (like a coffee cup). Do not use a container with sloping sides.
• Fill the container halfway with fruit juice or sugar water.
• Add a few drops of vinegar. If you are using sugar water, apple cider vinegar works well to give it a “fruit” smell.
• Add a drop of dish soap.

The mixture should smell like vinegar and not like dish soap. If your mixture smells like soap, add more vinegar. Fruit flies are attracted to the smell of overripe fruit, so that is the scent you are trying to replicate.

The fruit flies will want to land on the water to drink the mixture, but the soap will cause them to drown. (The straight sides prevent the flies from drinking the mixture from the side of the container.) The mixture does not have to be refreshed for several days. If a greasy film starts to coat the top of the liquid, dump it out and start a fresh batch.

No, furniture purchases cannot be placed on a department's George Fox Visa or reimbursed as personal expenses. All furniture requests must go through university purchasing to ensure compliance with our policy and maintain consistency across campus.

Personal items such as furniture, artwork or books brought into your office are not covered under the university's insurance policy. In case of damage or loss, the university is not responsible for these personal belongings.

The purchasing department works alongside the Office of Plant Services to coordinate with the requesting department for the installation and movement of all university furniture, ensuring a smooth and consistent process.

If you are searching for existing furniture inventory in storage or in surplus, please contact Gabe Morales at gmorales@georgefox.edu for assistance.

Identify what you need and contact purchasing@georgefox.edu with any quotes or links for the items you wish to purchase. The purchasing office will help ensure your request meets university standards and policies.