Boxelder Bug

Natural Habitat

Boxelder bugs are commonly found in areas where their host trees (boxelder, maple, ash) are present. This includes yards, parks, agricultural areas, and rural settings. In autumn, they tend to migrate towards buildings and homes to find sheltered places to overwinter.

Diet & Feeding

Boxelder bugs primarily feed on the seeds and leaves of boxelder trees (Acer negundo), and occasionally on other maple (Acer) and ash (Fraxinus) trees. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract sap from these plants.

Behavior Patterns

Boxelder bugs are known for congregating in large numbers, especially in the fall as they seek overwintering sites. They often gather on the sunny sides of buildings, rocks, and trees. While generally not harmful, their congregations can be a nuisance. They become active again in spring, dispersing to lay eggs on host trees. They are active during the day.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include being a nuisance pest when they enter homes in large numbers. Although they do not bite humans or pets, they can stain curtains, walls, or other surfaces with their feces if crushed. They are not known to transmit diseases. Benefits are minimal from a human perspective, but they are part of the natural food chain and contribute to ecosystem balance by feeding on certain tree seeds.

Identified on: 7/3/2025