Boxelder Bug

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in areas with box elder trees, maples, and ash trees. They are particularly prevalent in urban and suburban environments where these trees are planted. In cooler months, they seek sheltered locations, including inside homes and other buildings, to overwinter.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily feed on the sap of box elder trees, but also feed on sap from maple and ash trees. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract sap from leaves, flowers, and developing seeds.

Behavior Patterns

Boxelder bugs are known to aggregate in large numbers on the sunny sides of trees, rocks, and buildings in the late summer and fall as they prepare to seek shelter for the winter. They often enter homes through cracks and crevices to overwinter, becoming a nuisance indoors. They are generally slow-moving, especially when cold. They become active again in spring, emerging from overwintering sites.

Risks & Benefits

Potential Risks: Boxelder bugs are primarily nuisance pests, especially when they invade homes in large numbers in the fall. They do not bite people or pets, nor do they cause structural damage to homes. However, their droppings can stain light-colored surfaces like curtains, walls, and furniture. If crushed, they can emit an unpleasant odor. Potential Benefits: They are a minor part of the ecosystem's food chain, providing a food source for birds and other insects. However, their ecological benefits are generally considered minimal.

Identified on: 7/2/2025