These bugs do not sting and are not known to cause damage to homes, however, their feces can stain light-colored surfaces. Boxelder Bug Behaviors, Threats, or Dangersīoxelder bugs are generally not known to bite, though there are rare reports of defensive biting. Boxelder bugs do not reproduce inside homes but enter through windows, doors, ceiling lights, soffit and dryer vents, outdoor faucets, and on the siding of a home. They will enter homes and buildings and hibernate within the walls of the structure. After large masses of bugs accumulate, they tend to fly to nearby buildings or other protected sites where they hibernate for the winter. In the fall, adult boxelder bugs assemble on the south sides of trees, rocks, and buildings to warm themselves in the sun. Like many other pests, boxelder bugs will often be seen either when they enter a home to overwinter, or when they emerge as spring rolls around. These bugs often become nuisances in the fall as they congregate in search of an overwintering site. Boxelder bugs usually feed on the leaves, flowers, and seed pods of the box elder tree, although they occasionally occur on maple and ash trees. Please check with your local county agent or regulatory official before using any pesticide mentioned in this publication.Boxelder Bugs in Santa Fe and Albuquerque NMīoxelder bugs are true bugs and are named for their prime host, the boxelder tree, which is cultivated throughout the United States. Insecticidal soap provides a safe control alternative but it must be sprayed directly on the insects to be effective.ĬAUTION! Pesticide recommendations in this publication are registered for use in Kentucky, USA ONLY! The use of some products may not be legal in your state or country. Other alternatives include controlling insects while they are on the boxelder plant or direct sprays of congregations of the insects on outside walls. If large numbers are present every year, removal of female boxelder plants should be considered because this is the major host plant for them. Check door sweeps and places outside the house that may allow them to get inside. These insects are only a nuisance or accidental invader however, they may leave an odor and stain when crushed.Įxclusion is important in reducing numbers that get indoors. They will not multiply nor will they infest any household articles. Sweep or vacuum up and discard those found inside. They move to sheltered areas (including nearby houses and buildings) in the fall and remain there during the winter. The red abdomen has an orange-yellow stripe and spot down the center of the back.īoxelder bugs feed on plants during the summer. The wingless immature or nymphal stage has a black head, antennae, and legs. There are three narrow red lines on the segment behind the head, one down the center and one on either side and a thin red inverted "V" about the middle of the back. They are mostly black with some red markings. These harmless accidental invaders may be a temporary nuisance as they move into and out of sheltered overwintering sites in the fall and spring.Īdult boxelder bugs are elongate, 1/2 inch long insects with sucking mouthparts. Large numbers of them can be seen on tree trunks, or branches, or sunning themselves on the south or west sides of buildings in the spring and fall. University of Kentucky College of Agricultureīoxelder bugs are common insects that feed on sap from leaves, twigs, and seeds of boxelders, as well other members of the maple family. ENTFACT-444: Boxelder Bugs | Download PDF by Lee Townsend, Extension Entomologist
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