Boxelder Bug

Natural Habitat

Primarily found on or around female boxelder trees, but also seen on maple and ash trees; often seek shelter in houses during winter.

Diet & Feeding

Feed on the juices of boxelder seeds, as well as the leaves and twigs of boxelder, maple, and ash trees.

Behavior Patterns

Known for gregarious behavior, often forming large clusters on sunny surfaces; they undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Mostly a nuisance pest; they do not bite, sting, or cause significant damage to plants, but can stain fabrics with their excrement if they enter homes.

Identified on: 6/25/2026