What Do Boxelder Bugs Eat: A Friendly Guide to Their Diet

Boxelder bugs, scientifically known as Boisea trivittata, are insects that primarily feed on the seeds of boxelder trees (Acer negundo).

These true bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts, allowing them to extract sap from various parts of plants.

In addition to boxelder trees, these insects also consume seeds produced by other maple species and plants like ash, spirea, strawberry, honeysuckle, plum, cherry, peach, grape, and apple.

Their feeding habits can vary with the change of seasons and the availability of their preferred food sources.

Environment and Habitat

Boxelder and Maple Habitats

Boxelder bugs primarily feed on the seeds of boxelder trees, but they can also be found feeding on other maple species.

These trees are commonly found throughout North America, including Canada. The bugs thrive in areas where boxelder and maple trees are abundant, such as your yard and property.

Besides maple trees, these bugs can also be associated with ash and maple trees,.

Boxelder bugs in these habitats increase in population during hot weather, making them more of a nuisance.

Indoor Infestations

While boxelder bugs are more commonly found outdoors, they can venture into your home in search of warmth and shelter.

During cold weather, boxelder bugs can find their way into homes through small cracks, crevices, or openings near doors and windows.

Keeping these pests outdoors is crucial to preventing indoor infestations. To keep your home boxelder bug-free, it is advisable to seal any cracks or holes in your home’s exterior, clear debris near your home, and keep plants well-trimmed.

Remember, a well-maintained yard and property will lessen the chances of boxelder bugs invading your home.

Maintaining a clean environment both indoors and outdoors is key to keeping boxelder bugs and other pests at bay. By taking these preventative measures, you can enjoy a boxelder bug-free environment in your home and yard.

What Do Boxelder Bugs Eat?

Boxelder Seeds Consumption

Boxelder bugs primarily feed on seeds produced by female boxelder trees. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract the sap from these seeds.

Boxelder bugs are not exclusive to boxelder trees, as they also feed on seeds from other maple species, such as the silver maple tree.

Feeding on seeds continues throughout the summer, allowing the nymphs to mature before cold weather arrives in the fall.

Fruit and Leaves Consumption

While boxelder bugs are mainly known for feeding on boxelder seeds, they may also attack other plants when in heavily infested areas.

These bugs have been observed feeding on leaves, tender twigs, and developing seeds of ash and maple trees.

Moreover, they may consume fruits like apples, plums, raspberries, and strawberries. Here are some common plants that boxelder bugs feed on besides boxelder trees:

• Apple trees
• Plum trees
• Raspberry plants
• Strawberry plants
• Silver maple tree
• Other maple species
• Ash trees

Boxelder bugs make use of their piercing-sucking mouthparts to suck sap from these fruits, leaves, and twigs.

It is important to note that while these bugs will consume a variety of plant materials, their primary food source remains boxelder seeds.

Life Cycle

Egg to Nymph Transformation

In the life cycle of boxelder bugs, females lay their red eggs in crevices of boxelder bark, on leaves, or other objects. The eggs hatch in about 11 to 14 days, releasing reddish-black nymphs.

Here are some characteristics of the eggs:

• Red in color
• Laid by female boxelder bugs
• Hatch in 11 to 14 days

As the eggs transform into nymphs, they go through several stages of development. The nymphs are wingless and possess wing pads. They are also sensitive to light and attracted to warm locations as they grow.

Nymph to Adult Progression

Throughout the nymphal stage, the nymphs gradually progress into adults. They’re usually darker towards their heads and have red abdomens. During their progression, they develop more prominent wings and antennae.

Here’s a comparison table of nymphs and adult boxelder bugs:

Once the nymphs transform into adults, they become more active in searching for food and mates. They typically feed on the seeds and leaves of boxelder trees, as well as occasionally on ash and maple trees.

Behavior and Characteristics

Hibernation and Migration Patterns

Boxelder bugs, like several other insects, undergo a shift in behavior during the winter and fall seasons. In the fall, as the weather gets colder, they tend to search for sheltered areas to hibernate, such as cracks in trees or inside homes.

While they don’t necessarily migrate long distances, they do congregate in large swarms around warm locations.

During winter, you’ll likely find them hibernating in your attic, walls, or other hidden corners.

As the weather gets warmer, they become active again and return outdoors to resume feeding on seeds of boxelder and other maple species.

Survival Mechanisms

Boxelder bugs have developed a few mechanisms to help them survive and thrive.

One such feature is their ability to release a foul-smelling odor when threatened or crushed. This odor serves as a defense mechanism to deter predators.

Although boxelder bugs aren’t known to bite humans, they possess a piercing-sucking proboscis used for feeding on plant sap.

This allows them to obtain nutrients from a variety of plant species, including maple, ash, and even fruit plants like raspberry and strawberry.

While boxelder bugs might share some behavioral traits with other insects like beetles and cicadas, it is important to understand their unique characteristics for proper identification and management.

The following table compares certain aspects of boxelder bugs, beetles, and cicadas:

Potential Harms and Damages

Effects on Plants and Trees

Boxelder bugs can have a minimal impact on plants and trees. They primarily feed on the seeds and fruits of boxelder trees, as well as other maple species and sometimes ash trees, raspberry, and strawberry plants.

Although their feeding may reduce seed viability and cause damage to the fruits, it’s generally not considered serious or significantly harmful to the overall health of the host plants.

Effects on Homes and Buildings

In addition to their impact on plants, boxelder bugs can also become a nuisance for homes and buildings.

As the weather gets colder, they congregate in large numbers and seek shelter in cracks and crevices of walls, doors, and windows. This can lead to potential damages, including:

• Staining: When crushed or threatened, boxelder bugs release a bad odor and can also leave unsightly stains from their feces or defensive fluids on walls, curtains, or other surfaces.

• Punctures: Though it’s not their typical feeding behavior, these insects could potentially cause minor punctures in screens or building surfaces while trying to enter homes and buildings.

To minimize boxelder bug problems, the following preventative measures are recommended:

• Seal any cracks along the foundation, doors, or windows
• Caulk openings where utility cables enter the home
• Screen vents and apply weather stripping on doors

If you find boxelder bugs inside your home, avoid squishing them and causing stains. Instead, use a gentle sweep or vacuum to remove them. Also, ensure that your home is well-maintained to avoid any unwanted entry points for these pests.

Prevention and Control

Natural Predators

One natural way to control boxelder bugs is by introducing their natural predators, such as ants and spiders. These insects can help reduce the boxelder bug population around your property. For example:

• Ants like to feed on boxelder bug eggs and nymphs.
• Spiders can catch adult boxelder bugs in their webs.

Home Sealing and Cleaning

To prevent boxelder bugs from entering your home, make sure to seal cracks and crevices around your house. Here are some steps to take:

• Caulk any openings along the foundation, doors, or windows.
• Seal areas where utility cables enter your home.
• Screen vents and apply weather stripping on doors.

Regular cleaning is also crucial in controlling boxelder bugs. When you spot them, you can:

• Vacuum them up instead of squishing them, as they release a foul odor when crushed.
• Sweep them outside or use a hose with soapy water to wash them away.

Use of Pesticides

While pesticides can be effective, it’s important to consider the safety of your pets and the environment.

In some cases, using insecticides like malathion may be necessary to control large boxelder bug populations in trees. However, always consult a professional before using chemicals around your property.

Conclusion

In conclusion, boxelder bugs, or Boisea trivittata, have a diet primarily centered around the seeds of boxelder trees and other maple species.

Their feeding habits, facilitated by their piercing-sucking mouthparts, extend to a variety of plants including ash, spirea, and various fruit trees like apple, plum, and grape.

The seasonal availability of these food sources influences their feeding patterns.

Their habitat, predominantly around boxelder and maple trees across North America, plays a crucial role in their lifecycle and behavior.

While they are outdoor insects, boxelder bugs can invade homes seeking warmth during colder months, making preventive measures like sealing cracks and maintaining a clean environment essential.