How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs

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Boxelder Bug Control Services

Boxelder bugs aren’t as destructive as some other types of pests, but they tend to gather in huge numbers, which can make them a real nuisance. They’re often seen clustered on the sides of buildings that get the most sun. Their droppings can also stain exteriors and make them look shabby. If these bugs find a way inside through a small crack or gap in the building’s exterior, they can be hard to get rid of.

With the help of professional pest control services from Assured Environments, you can keep these bugs out of your business. Read on to learn more about them.

A closeup of a Boxelder bug on a white background.

What Do Boxelder Bugs Look Like?

Size: ½ inch long fully grown; nymphs are around 1.3 mm long

Color: Black wing covers, upper body, legs, and antennae, with three bright red or orange striped markings running along the head, body, and wing tips in a vaguely ‘X’-shaped pattern. Red or orange lower body beneath wing covers.

What Do Boxelder Bugs Eat?

Though they prefer seeds of the boxelder tree (hence their name,) boxelder bugs can also feed on the seeds of other trees, including other maple trees and ash trees. Because they primarily eat seeds, boxelder bugs don’t inflict significant damage on the trees they infest.

Scientific Information

Family: Rhopalidae (scentless true bugs)

Species: Boisea trivittata

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Boxelders mate in early summer and lay eggs on seed-bearing boxelder trees in July. Eggs typically hatch within 10 to 14 days. Boxelder nymphs remain close to host trees and feed continuously through summer, gradually maturing into adults by fall. The warmer it is outside; the faster boxelder nymphs grow.

When fully grown, boxelders seek out warm, sunny places to congregate. Boxelder adults spend to spend winters dormant inside warm, sheltered areas. In the wild this may mean a hollow log or brush pile, but it could very well be your home. Around April or May of the following year, boxelders will come out of dormancy, leave their shelters, and seek out mates.

Signs of a Boxelder Bug Infestation

Boxelders bug infestations typically occur in most buildings in the fall, when they’re looking for a place to survive the winter. Depending on the ease of access, you may notice up to hundreds of boxelders in or near your building. Look for swarms of boxelders around windows, particularly windows with western or southern exposure.

Boxelders produce liquid feces, which may stain carpet, rugs, or other fabrics. These stains are small and appear faded yellow, brown, or grey in color. Boxelders may also stain nearby surfaces when crushed. Stains are most noticeable near areas where they congregate like windowsills and door frames.

A boxelder bug infestation on a wooden fence.

Boxelder Bug Control and Prevention

Boxelders enter structures through cracks and crevices, usually around door and window frames or utility lines. Sealing these gaps with caulk or steel wool is the best way to prevent these and other pests from getting in. Look for gaps around areas outside the building where you see multiple boxelders, such as screen doors.

The easiest way to get rid of boxelder bugs is to vacuum up swarms as you see them. Using this method, you avoid crushing them and releasing their toxic liquid. Discard the vacuum bag when you’re finished.

Wash off the areas where boxelders congregated with soap or bleach and water. Clear away as much outdoor clutter as you can, and trim nearby plants to deprive boxelders of attractive hiding places. If your boxelder problem isn’t going away, get in touch with the pros for boxelder bug control in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut for stress-free pest management.

Boxelder Bug FAQ

Do boxelder bugs fly?

Though fully-grown boxelder bugs can fly, they usually crawl from place to place.

Why are there boxelder bugs in my windowsill?

In the Fall, it’s common to find large ‘swarms’ of boxelder bugs bunched up on a window or sunny surface. These swarms group together to keep warm, especially in south and west facing windows.

Do boxelder bugs damage trees?

Although boxelder feeding doesn’t permanently damage trees, if enough boxelders feed on a host tree, they may distort its foliage by depriving it of essential plant fluids. Severely infested foliage may take on a yellow hew or shriveled appearance.

Are boxelder bugs dangerous?

While boxelders won’t hurt you, their toxic spray can stain and leave behind and unpleasant smell. They can also become obnoxious in large swarms.

Do boxelder bugs bite?

It’s rare that a boxelder bug would bite you and only if it felt threatened. Bites are small, like a mosquito’s and do not carry any risk of disease.

How long do boxelder bugs live?

They can live about one year in the proper conditions. They will go dormant during cold winter months.

How do you get rid of boxelder bugs?

‌If patching holes and vacuuming doesn’t stop the influx of boxelders into your home, it’s time to call the pros. Assured Environments can help you eliminate these pests for good.