Boxelder Bug

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in areas with boxelder, maple, or ash trees. In late summer and fall, they migrate to sunny, sheltered locations, including the exterior and interior of homes and buildings, to find overwintering sites.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily feed on the sap of boxelder, maple, and ash trees. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract fluids from leaves, flowers, and developing seeds. Occasionally, they might feed on the fruits of other trees.

Behavior Patterns

Boxelder bugs are known to aggregate in large numbers on the sunny sides of buildings, trees, and rocks in late summer and fall, seeking warmth before moving to overwintering sites. They often invade homes and structures through small cracks and openings. They are not known to bite or sting, but their presence in large numbers can be a nuisance. Nymphs typically feed and develop on their host trees. They overwinter as adults.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: While harmless to humans, they can be a nuisance pest when they invade homes in large numbers. They can stain fabrics and other surfaces with their excreta if crushed. Benefits: Generally considered minor pests and do not provide substantial ecological benefits that are widely recognized, though they are a part of the insect food web.

Identified on: 8/17/2025