Boxelder Bugs

About Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder Bugs (Boisea trivittata) are common insects found throughout North America, particularly in areas where boxelder trees grow. These bugs are named for their strong association with boxelder trees, where they feed on the seeds, leaves, and twigs. Boxelder Bugs are primarily a nuisance pest, especially during the fall when they seek shelter in homes and buildings to escape the cold. While they don’t cause significant damage, their large numbers and tendency to gather in and around homes can be quite bothersome.

What Do Boxelder Bugs Look Like?

Boxelder Bugs are easily recognizable by their distinctive black and red coloring. They have flat, elongated bodies that are about 1/2 inch long, with wings that lay flat over their backs. Their wings and bodies are primarily black, with red or orange markings along the edges of the thorax and wings, forming an “X” pattern. Boxelder Bugs have six legs, long antennae, and a piercing-sucking mouthpart they use to feed on plant juices. Nymphs, or immature Boxelder Bugs, are bright red and lack fully developed wings, making them look quite different from the adults.

Facts About Boxelder Bugs Gestation

Boxelder Bugs reproduce primarily in the spring and summer months. After mating, female Boxelder Bugs lay clusters of eggs on the leaves, bark, and seeds of boxelder trees, as well as other maples and ash trees. The eggs are initially yellow but turn red as they near hatching, which occurs within a few days. The nymphs emerge and go through several molts, gradually developing wings and their characteristic coloration as they mature into adults. Boxelder Bugs typically produce one or two generations per year, depending on the climate. As the weather cools in the fall, the adults begin searching for warm, sheltered places to overwinter, often leading them to enter homes and buildings.

Boxelder Bugs Habitat and Behavior

Boxelder Bugs are primarily found on and around boxelder trees, where they feed on the seeds, leaves, and flowers. They are also attracted to other types of maples and ash trees. During the warm months, Boxelder Bugs are usually found outdoors, congregating on tree trunks, branches, and around the base of the tree. In the fall, however, they seek out warm, sheltered areas to overwinter, often entering homes and buildings through cracks, gaps, and other openings. Inside, they may become inactive, hiding in wall voids, attics, and other undisturbed areas, but they can become a nuisance if they re-emerge during warm spells in winter or early spring.

What Are 5 Unique Facts About Boxelder Bugs?

1. Boxelder Bugs are named after the boxelder tree, which is their primary host and food source, although they can also feed on other maples and ash trees.
2. While they primarily feed on plant juices, Boxelder Bugs are not considered harmful to trees and rarely cause significant damage.
3. Boxelder Bugs can produce a foul-smelling odor when crushed or disturbed, which can stain surfaces and fabrics.
4. These bugs are known for congregating in large numbers, particularly on the sunny sides of buildings during the fall, which can make them quite a nuisance.
5. Despite their intimidating appearance and large numbers, Boxelder Bugs do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases, making them more of a nuisance than a threat.

What Are the Problems Related to Boxelder Bugs?

The main problem associated with Boxelder Bugs is their tendency to invade homes and buildings in large numbers during the fall and winter months. While they do not cause structural damage or pose a health risk, their sheer numbers can be overwhelming and unsightly, especially when they gather on the exterior walls or enter living spaces. Boxelder Bugs can also release a foul-smelling odor when crushed, which can stain walls, curtains, and other surfaces. Additionally, their presence indoors can be a persistent nuisance, particularly if they re-emerge during warm periods in the winter or spring. Their activity can also attract other pests that feed on them, compounding the issue.

What Are the Risks Associated with Boxelder Bugs?

The risks associated with Boxelder Bugs are primarily related to their potential to become a nuisance rather than any direct harm. They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases, so they are not a threat to human health or pets. However, their tendency to invade homes in large numbers can lead to stress and discomfort for homeowners. The foul-smelling liquid they excrete when disturbed can stain fabrics, walls, and other surfaces, leading to additional cleaning efforts. Furthermore, Boxelder Bugs can attract predators such as spiders and rodents, which may also seek shelter in homes, creating a secondary pest problem.

Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs Treatment

To get rid of Boxelder Bugs, start by sealing all cracks, gaps, and openings around your home’s exterior to prevent them from entering. Use caulk or weatherstripping to close these entry points, and ensure that window screens and door sweeps are in good condition. Vacuum up any bugs that have made their way inside, and immediately dispose of the vacuum bag to prevent re-infestation. For outdoor control, consider spraying a residual insecticide around the exterior of your home, particularly around windows, doors, and other entry points. In extreme cases, you may need to contact a professional pest control service for targeted treatment and long-term prevention.

Boxelder Bugs Prevention Advice

Preventing Boxelder Bugs from entering your home involves proactive measures and regular maintenance. Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, gaps, and other openings that could allow bugs to enter, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Repair or replace damaged window screens and install door sweeps to prevent entry. Reduce potential hiding spots by removing debris, firewood, and dense vegetation from around your home’s foundation. Consider using insecticides around the perimeter of your home in late summer or early fall to deter Boxelder Bugs from gathering. Regularly check your home for signs of bugs and take action early to prevent a full-blown infestation.