Boxelder Bug: All You Need to Know in a Nutshell

Boxelder bugs are true bugs that often become a nuisance around homes and buildings located near plantings of boxelder trees, as well as ash and maple trees.

These insects typically congregate in large numbers on the south side of trees and buildings as the fall season approaches, sometimes becoming a pest issue in areas where their infestations are heavy.

These bugs belong to the same order as stink bugs, cicadas, and other insects with piercing and sucking mouthparts.

One distinctive characteristic of boxelder bugs is the bad odor they release when crushed.

Their population varies from year to year, often experiencing spikes in abundance during hot, dry summers.

Boxelder bugs feed primarily on female boxelder trees by sucking sap from leaves, tender twigs, and developing seeds.

In addition to boxelder trees, they may also occasionally be found on ash and maple trees, as well as raspberry and strawberry plants.

Although their feeding habits typically don’t cause severe damage to the host plants, they can still be a nuisance for homeowners.

What Are Boxelder Bugs?

Boxelder bugs are a species of insects belonging to the Rhopalidae family.

They are commonly found near boxelder trees and can be a nuisance to homeowners.

Two Life Stages: Adults and Nymphs

There are two life stages in boxelder bugs: adults and nymphs.

Adult boxelder bugs are fully grown and have a more defined appearance, while nymphs are immature and still developing.

Both adults and nymphs feed on primarily boxelder trees, sucking sap from leaves, tender twigs, and developing seeds.

Adult Boxelder Bug

Physical Characteristics

Boxelder bugs have the following distinct physical characteristics.

Adults

• Dull black in color
• Marked with red (orange) along the edges of their front wings
• Oval-shaped body with a length of about ½ inch
• Six legs and two antennae

Nymphs

• Red and black in color
• Short wing pads
• Six legs and two antennae

Boxelder bugs are a true bug of the species Boisea trivittata, closely related to the western boxelder bug (Boisea rubrolineata).

Both species share similar characteristics, with red markings on their bodies, and are commonly found near boxelder trees.

Habitat and Behavior

Life Cycle

Boxelder bugs have a simple life cycle. Eggs are laid by females, starting light yellow and darkening to rusty red. Nymphs hatch and develop into adults, feeding on seeds and vegetation.

Seasonal Activity

Boxelder bugs show distinct behaviors depending on the season:

Fall/Autumn:

• Congregate in large numbers on the south sides of trees and buildings for warmth
• Seek shelter in homes or buildings to overwinter

Winter:

• Hibernate, remaining generally inactive

Sunlight and Swarms:

• On sunny winter days, they might become active and swarm in large numbers

Boxelder bugs prefer to remain on specific host trees, which include:

• Primary hosts: Boxelder Trees and Acer negundo
• Secondary hosts: Ash and Maple Trees, as well as other Acer species

Impact on Humans and Environment

Harm to Plants and Crops

While these bugs do not cause major damage to plants, they can cause some harm to certain horticultural crops such as:

• Raspberry
• Strawberry

In these cases, boxelder bugs may suck sap from leaves and tender twigs, as well as feed on developing seeds.

However, the overall damage is usually minimal and not considered serious in the agricultural sector.

Interaction with Humans

Boxelder bugs do not pose any significant risk to humans. Some key points to note are:

• They do not bite.
• They are not toxic.
• They are not an invasive species.

However, they can be annoying when they enter the domestic environment.

During the fall, boxelder bugs tend to congregate in large numbers on the south side of homes and buildings.

They might enter the house looking for shelter, but they are still considered harmless to humans.

Why They Are Attracted to Homes?

Feeding Habits

Boxelder bugs are attracted to homes primarily due to their feeding habits.

They prefer areas close to their preferred food source, which could be the reason they find their way into nearby homes.

These pests are known to feed on the seeds and leaves of boxelder, maple, and ash trees.

They might also target fruit trees like apples and peaches, causing damage to the plants and fruits.

• Boxelder bugs feed on seed-bearing boxelder trees.
• Maple and ash trees are also liable to infestation by these pests.

Infestation Patterns

Boxelder bug infestations are more likely during hot, dry summers, with their populations skyrocketing during such conditions.

These pests reproduce on female boxelder trees and sometimes on maple and ash trees.

• Higher infestations occur during hot, dry summers.
• Female boxelder trees are the primary site for reproduction.

Preventing Boxelder Bug Infestation

Sealing Your Home

To prevent boxelder bugs from entering your home, it’s crucial to seal off potential entry points. These pests often seek shelter in homes through:

• Crevices and gaps around doors and windows
• Damaged or worn-out screens
• Cracks in siding or foundation

For example, use door sweeps, caulk, or weatherstripping to seal gaps where insects might enter.

Replace damaged window screens and repair any cracks in foundations or siding.

Planting Strategies

Managing vegetation around your house can also help eliminate boxelder bug infestations:

• Remove female boxelder trees, which attract boxelder bugs due to their seed-bearing nature
• Limit planting of ash and maple trees near the house, as these may also be targeted by boxelder bugs
• Maintain a clutter-free yard to eliminate potential hiding spots

Use of Insecticides and Pesticides

Insecticides and pesticides can provide a temporary solution, but they may not be the most effective long-term method. Some drawbacks include:

• Ineffectiveness: Boxelder bugs can become resistant to certain chemicals
• Environmental harm: Some pesticides pose risks for other animals or plants
• Health concerns: Prolonged exposure to chemicals can pose a threat to homeowners

On the other hand, using diatomaceous earth, a natural product, can be a safer way to combat boxelder bugs. It is a non-toxic alternative that causes bugs to dehydrate and die.

Removing and Managing Boxelder Bugs

Natural Remedies

Boxelder bugs can be managed through natural means.

One such method is to remove their primary food source, the female boxelder tree, or seed-bearing trees like ash and maple.

Another natural remedy is to create a mixture of soap and water, which can be sprayed on the bugs to kill them without harming your plants.

Vacuuming and Cleaning

To help prevent infestations, regularly vacuum walls and windows where boxelder bugs tend to congregate, especially during the overwintering period.

Be sure to clean any surfaces where nymphs, adults, and eggs may be present, such as window sills and door frames.

Pest Control Services

If boxelder bug infestations become severe, consider hiring a professional pest control service.

They can provide specialized treatments for your home or building, which may include chemical applications or other forms of extermination.

Pros of pest control services:

• Highly effective
• Performed by trained professionals

Cons of pest control services:

• May be costly
• Potential chemical exposure

By following these methods, you can effectively reduce and manage boxelder bug infestations in your home or building.

Remember, it’s essential to choose a management method appropriate for the severity of the problem and the specific needs of your situation.

Common Misconceptions

Boxelder bugs are often misunderstood, with many misconceptions surrounding their behavior and impact on our environment. Let’s debunk some common myths:

Myth 1: Boxelder bugs are harmful to fruit trees.

Despite popular belief, boxelder bugs mainly feed on boxelder trees and occasionally ash and maple trees. They do not cause significant damage to fruit trees like apples and peaches.

Myth 2: Boxelder bugs are beetles or mosquitos.

These insects belong to the true bug family, which includes stink bugs and cicadas, not beetles or mosquitoes. Dermestid beetles are entirely different pests.

Myth 3: Homeowners must use insecticides to control boxelder bugs.

While insecticides can be effective in controlling these bugs, many non-chemical methods exist.

Prevention and physical removal are often sufficient to manage their populations.

Here’s a short comparison table to clarify some differences between boxelder bugs and dermestid beetles:

Conclusion

Boxelder bugs, scientifically known as Boisea trivittata, are true bugs commonly found near boxelder, ash, and maple trees.

While they can become a nuisance in homes, especially during the fall, they are harmless to humans and do not cause significant damage to plants.

Their distinctive red markings and unique behavior patterns, such as releasing a pungent odor when crushed, make them easily identifiable.

Homeowners can manage their presence through various preventive measures and natural remedies.