Boxelder Bug

Natural Habitat

Typically found on boxelder trees, maple trees, and ash trees. They often move to the sunny sides of buildings and congregate indoors to overwinter.

Diet & Feeding

Mostly boxelder tree seeds, but they also feed on the leaves and flowers of boxelder, maple, and ash trees by sucking plant juices.

Behavior Patterns

They are diurnal and highly social, often seen in large groups. During autumn, they seek out cracks and crevices in human structures to hibernate through the winter, emerging in the spring.

Risks & Benefits

They are primarily a nuisance pest as they do not bite, sting, or carry diseases. However, they can leaves stains on light-colored fabrics with their excrement and emit a foul odor if crushed. They play a minor role in the ecosystem as food for some birds and spiders.

Identified on: 2/13/2026