Featured
The Ultimate Guide to Rodent Control
Call Us
Licensed Technician
Boxelder bugs are common nuisance pests that gather on trees and homes. As a registered technician with four years in the field, I’ve seen our family business battle these bugs in the DMV for over 50 years. Let’s explore what drives their meals and migrations.
Boxelder bugs are true bugs, not beetles, with black bodies and red markings. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, they’re considered nuisance pests when they congregate in large numbers on walls and windows.
Adult boxelder bugs are about ½ inch long with a bright red “V” marking on their wings. Nymphs are smaller and bright red before developing black wings.
These insects undergo incomplete metamorphosis, molting from egg to nymph to adult Penn State Extension. They produce one or two generations each year in warm months.
In spring, adults emerge from overwintering sites and seek tree buds, leaves, and old seeds. They feed to rebuild energy after hibernation.
During summer, nymphs and adults suck sap and juice from seeds and tender twigs. This is when bug activity is highest on female trees.
By fall, feeding tapers off and boxelder bugs congregate on sunny sides of buildings. They crawl into cracks and crevices to overwinter until spring.
Female boxelder trees produce dangling seed clusters called samaras. Boxelder bugs target these seeds above all else.
Both nymphs and adult boxelder bugs feed by piercing seed pods and leaves with their beaks, drawing out nutrients and sugars USDA Forest Service FIDL.
Silver maples and other maples also attract boxelder bugs. They tap into samaras, buds, and foliage when boxelder seeds run low.
Ash trees can serve as a fallback. Boxelder bugs sometimes sip sap from ash flowers and leaves but prefer maples.
They may puncture fallen fruit—apples, pears, peaches, plums, and grapes—causing spots or dimples UC IPM.
Occasionally, they feed on seeds in mulch or debris. Indoors, they might attempt to nibble a house plant leaf, but this is rare.
Boxelder bugs feed in groups, often leaving tiny yellow spots on leaves. When crushed, they emit a foul odor, much like Stink Bugs.
Despite massive swarms, boxelder bugs cause very little damage. They mainly reduce seed viability and rarely harm overall tree health UNH Extension.
Female boxelder trees, warm south-facing walls, and protected crevices attract boxelder bugs. They love the sunny side of buildings.
Boxelder bugs invade homes in fall not for food but for shelter. They hibernate in wall voids and attics, emerging again in spring.
Our licensed technicians recommend you seal cracks around windows and install door sweeps. This helps block entry points.
Using a vacuum cleaner provides temporary relief. Simply vacuum bugs from walls and floors; empty the bag outside.
Rake up dropped seeds and leaf litter to reduce your yard’s food source and discourage large numbers from congregating.
Consider removing seed-bearing boxelder trees near your home. This cuts off the primary food source driving infestations.
Plant non-host species like pines or oaks. Keep mulch and ground cover clear of seeds to deter boxelder bugs.
Our registered technicians draw on three generations of family experience in the DMV. We use only EPA approved products vetted by our internal research team—ones we’d feel comfortable using in our own homes.
Effective pest management blends exclusion, landscape cleanup, and targeted treatments. Reach out to our licensed technicians for a personalized plan.
Ready to reclaim your home from boxelder bugs? Call us at 703-683-2000 or email [email protected] for questions or a free estimate.
They help reduce maple seed germination, acting as a natural check on boxelder and maple spread. Ecologically, they play a niche role with minimal harm.
Combine sealing cracks, removing female trees, and keeping areas debris-free. Persistent exclusion and cleanup can greatly lower future infestations.
In the lab, they accept maple samaras, leaf sprouts, and twig sap. They won’t thrive on pantry items or typical house plant foliage.
Spiders may catch stray boxelder bugs indoors. Realistically, a vacuum cleaner or light-duty sweep is the most reliable removal tool.
No. Boxelder bugs don’t bite or sting. Their mouthparts only pierce plant tissue, not human skin.
Seal cracks and remove seed sources. Clean up boxelder tree seeds under maps and consider planting non-host species nearby.
With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that’s been protecting homes for over 57 years. He manages and trains a team of service pros while also leading internal research efforts—recently spearheading a deep-dive review of thousands of documents on pest control materials to hand-pick the most kid and pet friendly, most effective solutions tailored specifically for homes in the DC metro area. Read his bio.
