Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs feed on the leaves, flowers and seed pods of Manitoba maples (aka boxelders). These native insects may also be found on ash or other maple species. Boxelder bugs are not typically a problem for the trees they feed on but can be a nuisance when they congregate on surfaces and try to sneak inside homes.

About boxelder bugs

Adult boxelder bugs are approximately 12mm long, with black bodies and red eyes. Their wings have reddish-orange outlines and veins. Nymphs (juveniles) have bright red abdomens and are wingless. Nymphs and adults feed primarily on sap from leaves, flowers and the seed pods of female boxelder trees. Damage from feeding is usually insignificant and has no impact on tree health.

In late summer and early fall, cooler temperatures cause boxelder bugs to congregate on sunny south or west facing surfaces such as fences and exterior walls. As temperatures drop the adults seek shelter and warmth to survive the winter. They do not cause damage to homes, but when crushed may release an unpleasant odour.

William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.org

What you can do

Strategies for managing boxelder bug include:

  1. Sealing up entry points such as cracks and window or door screens to help prevent them from entering homes.
  2. Removing hiding and overwintering places close to houses such as piles of rocks, boards, leaves, and general debris.
  3. Vacuuming boxelder bug off surfaces or dislodging them with a strong stream of water can help reduce numbers.

Insecticides are rarely effective at managing boxelder bug and can have harmful impacts on other species. 

Learn more about tree pests and diseases in Calgary​

undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null