Boxelder Bug

Natural Habitat

Commonly found on boxelder, maple, and ash trees; can invade homes in cooler months seeking shelter.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds primarily on the sap, seeds, and leaves of boxelder trees, but also maple and ash trees.

Behavior Patterns

They overwinter as adults in protected places, including cracks and crevices in homes. They emerge in spring to feed and lay eggs. In fall, they aggregate in large numbers on sunny surfaces of structures before seeking overwintering sites. They are typically harmless but can become a nuisance when they gather in large numbers.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include being a nuisance pest when they enter homes in large numbers, and their droppings can stain light-colored surfaces. They do not typically bite humans or cause structural damage. No significant benefits to humans, but they are part of the ecosystem's food chain.

Identified on: 9/24/2025