Boxelder Bug

Natural Habitat

Typically found on boxelder, maple, and ash trees; often migrates to the sunny sides of buildings and indoors during cold weather.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds primarily on the seeds, flowers, and leaves of female boxelder trees, as well as maple and ash trees; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract plant juices.

Behavior Patterns

They are social insects often found in large clusters. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and seek warm wall voids or attics to overwinter.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered a nuisance pest rather than a danger; they do not sting or transmit diseases, and they do not cause significant damage to trees. They can, however, leave small red stains on fabric or upholstery with their excrement.

Identified on: 3/10/2026