Boxelder Bug

Found primarily on female boxelder trees, but also on maple and ash trees; often found near houses or building foundations during autumn.

Feeds primarily on the seeds of boxelder trees, but may also consume fluids from maple or ash tree leaves, flowers, and twigs.

These are gregarious insects that gather in large numbers on sunny, warm surfaces in the fall to find overwintering sites. They enter a state of diapause during winter and emerge in spring.

Generally considered a nuisance pest as they do not sting or cause significant damage to properties or plants. They can occasionally stain surfaces with their excrement and produce a foul odor if crushed.