Boxelder Bug

Natural Habitat

Commonly found on boxelder, maple, and ash trees. They often seek shelter inside buildings during winter months.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; primarily feeds on the seeds and flowers of female boxelder trees, but can also feed on maple and ash trees.

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs and adults often congregate in large groups on sunny walls or tree trunks. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis and enter a state of dormancy (diapause) in the winter.

Risks & Benefits

Generally considered a nuisance pest when they enter homes in large numbers. They do not sting, bite, or cause significant damage to buildings or plants, though their feces can stain light-colored surfaces.

Identified on: 4/10/2026