Are Boxelder Bugs Dangerous? Uncovering the Truth

Boxelder bugs are a common sight in many parts of North America, particularly during the warmer months. These insects can often be found near boxelder trees, as well as other tree species like ash and maple.

While they may seem like a potential threat, it is important to understand their behavior and impact on humans and the environment.

These bugs belong to the Rhopalidae family, which is closely related to Coreidae, a group known for emitting unpleasant odors when alarmed. However, they are considered scentless plant bugs and do not emit strong smells.

Both boxelder bugs and invasive brown marmorated stink bugs can be seen congregating on walls during the early fall, in search of warmth and shelter.

Despite their occasional large numbers, they are generally harmless to humans and do not cause structural damage to buildings.

Although boxelder bugs are not considered dangerous, they can sometimes be a nuisance due to their tendency to gather in large numbers. In some cases, they may also feed on the developing fruits of various trees, causing minor damage.

It is important to note that these insects pose no significant threat to humans, and their presence should not cause undue concern.

What Are Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder Bug Identification

Boxelder bugs are small insects with a striking black and orange color pattern on their bodies. They have an elongated, somewhat oval shape and measure about ½ inch in length. Some key features to help identify boxelder bugs include:

• Black body with orange or red markings
• Six legs
• Oval-shaped wings covering the abdomen
• Part of the Rhopalidae family

Life Cycle

Boxelder bugs go through various life stages, from egg to nymph, and finally, adults. The nymphs are smaller and have a bright red color, while the adults have a more distinct black and orange pattern on their bodies.

During the summer, you can observe boxelder bugs in all stages of development. As they progress through their life cycle, their coloration and size change, making it easier to identify the different stages.

Are Boxelder Bugs Harmful or Dangerous?

Boxelder Bugs and Humans

Boxelder bugs are a harmless nuisance around homes and buildings, particularly near boxelder tree plantings. While they can be an annoyance, they do not pose any significant threats to humans.

They are not known to bite or sting, making them safe to coexist with. However, they can become a sizable annoyance as they congregate in large numbers around buildings and homes.

Effects on Pets and Animals

Boxelder bugs do not pose a direct danger to pets or animals. Even when present in large numbers, these insects do not cause harm to animals or transmit diseases. It’s important to note that:

• Boxelder bugs don’t bite or sting pets or animals
• They’re not known to carry or transmit diseases to pets or animals

Comparison Table: Boxelder Bugs versus Dangerous Insects

Damage Possibilities Caused by Boxelder Bugs

Potential Home Damage

Boxelder bugs, while not directly harmful to humans, can cause some minor damage in homes. They are known to produce liquid feces that leave behind stains on walls, curtains, and drapes when crushed.

Additionally, their presence in large numbers can be a nuisance as they often shelter in eaves and windowsills.

Agricultural and Property Effects

Boxelder bugs can have negative impacts on trees and crops. For example, they can feed on developing leaves, causing distortion or yellowing of the foliage. Here are some potential damages to agricultural properties:

• Tree damage: Their feeding habits may also lead to damage to flowers, tender twigs, and seeds of boxelder trees.
• Damage to fruits: In heavily infested areas, boxelder bugs may attack fruits raspberry, and strawberry plants, causing possible harm².

However, it’s important to note that the plant damage they cause is generally not considered serious.

Comparison of Boxelder Bug Damages

Overall, boxelder bugs are more of a nuisance than a serious threat to homes or agricultural properties. By practicing proper home maintenance and identifying potential infestations early on, their impact can be minimized¹³.

Boxelder Bug Habits and Preferences

Feeding Patterns

Boxelder bugs mainly feed on boxelder trees by sucking sap from leaves, tender twigs, and developing seeds. They can also occasionally feed on ash trees, maple trees, and the fruits of raspberry and strawberry plants.

• Preferred food: Boxelder trees
• Secondary targets: Ash trees, maple trees, raspberry, and strawberry fruits

Preferred Environments

These bugs are known to congregate in large numbers on the sunny side of trees, buildings, and walls during fall. They prefer sunny locations and tend to overwinter in protected dry places, such as wall voids, attics, and basements.

• Outdoor environments: Trees, buildings, walls (particularly the sunny side)
• Indoor environments: Wall voids, attics, basements

Boxelder Bugs’ Relation to Other Insects

Boxelder bugs belong to the same family as stink bugs, cicadas, and other insects with piercing and sucking mouthparts. However, unlike their relatives, these bugs are scentless and considered harmless nuisances.

Comparing Boxelder Bugs to Stink Bugs:

Preventing Boxelder Bug Infestations

Sealing and Securing Homes

To prevent boxelder bugs from entering your home:

• Seal cracks and crevices with caulking
• Install door sweeps and use weather stripping around windows and doors
• Ensure screens on windows and vents are in good condition

For example, you may discover a gap between your foundation and siding. Use caulking to seal the gap and deter boxelder bugs from entering.

Pros of securing homes:

• Reduces boxelder bug infestations
• Lesser need for pest control treatments

Cons of securing homes:

• Can be time-consuming and expensive

Landscaping Tips and Best Practices

Proper maintenance of the outdoor area surrounding your home can help in minimizing boxelder bug infestations:

• Remove boxelder trees or limit their growth near your home
• Clear debris, like leaf litter, that can provide shelter for the bugs
• Trim branches providing contact or access to your home’s structure

A comparison of different landscapes:

Keep in mind that while landscaping can help, it may not completely prevent boxelder bug infestations, as they can still fly and find alternative ways to enter your home.

Pest Control

As a last resort, you can consider hiring a professional pest control service to help manage and prevent boxelder bug infestations.

However, this is not a preferred method, as boxelder bugs are generally harmless and considered a nuisance rather than a harmful threat.

It’s recommended to focus on sealing and securing your home and maintaining a tidy landscape in order to prevent them in the first place.

Controlling Boxelder Bug Populations

Natural and Chemical Pesticides

Boxelder bugs often become a nuisance around homes and buildings near boxelder, ash, and maple trees. To control these pests, you can use natural methods, such as:

• Soapy water: Mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle, and squirt it directly onto the bugs.
• Neem oil: Applying neem oil as a natural pesticide can deter boxelder bugs from infesting your home.

For severe infestations, chemical pesticides may be necessary. These can include:

• Pyrethrin-based insecticides: Effective against a variety of pests and generally safer for humans and pets.
• Synthetic insecticides: Stronger options like permethrin and cyfluthrin should be used cautiously to avoid harm to beneficial insects.

Mechanical Control Methods

Besides pesticides, several mechanical methods can help control boxelder bug populations:

• Vacuuming: A vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment can help to remove individual bugs or small groups found inside your home.
• Physical barriers: Seal cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation to prevent bugs from entering.

Some key features of each control method are:

Remember, when handling boxelder bugs, it’s important not to crush them, as they can release a bad odor. Utilize these control methods to safely keep their populations at bay.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while boxelder bugs may seem like a potential threat due to their occasional large numbers and gathering tendencies, they pose no significant danger to humans.

However, they do cause damage to trees and other agricultural properties. With proper home maintenance and landscape management, you can keep these bugs at bay.

Understanding their behavior and taking preventive measures can ensure peaceful coexistence with these unique and colorful insects.

The next time you encounter these curious creatures remember that they are harmless and are a part of our natural ecosystem.