Boxelder Bug nymph

Natural Habitat

Typically found on boxelder trees, maple, and ash trees; often seen on the sunny sides of buildings or rocks in the fall.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they primarily feed on the seeds, flowers, and leaves of host trees (especially female boxelder trees) using piercing-sucking mouthparts.

Behavior Patterns

They are social insects often found in large aggregations. In autumn, they seek out cracks and crevices in warm, sun-exposed structures to overwinter.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered a nuisance pest when they enter homes in large numbers, but they do not sting or cause significant damage to properties or healthy trees. They can occasionally cause minor skin irritation or stain fabrics with their excrement.

Identified on: 6/2/2026