Boxelder Bug

Typically found on or near boxelder, maple, and ash trees; often seek shelter in houses during cold weather.

Seed-eaters, primarily feeding on the leaves, flowers, and seeds of female boxelder trees, as well as ash and maple.

They are gregarious, often clustering in large groups on warm, sunny surfaces. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis and move indoors in autumn to hibernate.

Generally harmless to humans and do not cause significant damage to trees; considered a nuisance pest when they enter homes in large numbers. Occasionally their excrement can stain surfaces.