Boxelder Bugs
Biosea trivittata
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SIZE
1/2in long
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COLOR
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BITE OR STING
No
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WINGS
Yes
COMMONLY MISTAKEN FOR
SOLUTIONS FOR BOXELDER BUGS
General Information
While boxelder bugs don’t harm people, they can be a nuisance because they sometimes enter homes and other buildings in large numbers looking for warmth and shelter. Learn where they live, what they look like, and how to help prevent a boxelder bug infestation in your home.
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Boxelder bugs have beaks that they use to suck plant juices, but they do not bite.
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Any warm, winter day may “wake up” these bugs and bring them into your living areas.
Details
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Boxelder bugs are black with orange or red markings across their backs.1
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Their wings lay flat over their bodies and overlap each other to form an “X.”1
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In the summer, boxelder bugs live outdoors on trees and shrubs.
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When it’s cool, these bugs will gather together in large numbers in sunny areas such as on home siding, concrete, porches, and tree trunks.
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Boxelder bugs feed on trees and shrubs in your yard. However, they rarely create noticeable damage to plants or trees.
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As the weather cools, they will come inside seeking warmth and shelter for the winter.
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Occasionally, very large outbreaks of boxelder bugs may cause damage to plants, fruit trees, and fruits.
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Boxelder bugs can stain surfaces, such as walls and curtains, with their feces.1
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Large indoor boxelder bug invasions can be a nuisance to homeowners.
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Caulk any points where boxelder bugs can get inside, including entry points from the outside or neighboring units.
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Repair or replace damaged screens on window and door screens to help keep these bugs out of the house.
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Help control boxelder bugs in the home by vacuuming regularly.
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Use pest control sprays labeled to help kill boxelder bugs.
