The boxelder bug is found primarily on boxelder trees, as well as maple and ash trees.
They are about ½ inch long, are black with red lines on it back and wings.
Life Cycle
The adult bugs lay eggs on the host trees in the spring and the nymphs emerge in a few days. The nymphs are small and show more red than adults. These nymphs develop into adults during the summer, then mate and lay eggs which hatch into the nymphs of the second generation. In the summer Box elder bugs normally feed on the leaves, flowers, and seed pods of the boxelder tree or silver maple. The bugs cause little damage to trees. Activity of nearly fully grown nymphs is noticed in August and September when they gather in large numbers on the trunks of box elder trees. The migration of the adults begins at this time.
Prevention and Control
Removal of any nearby trees will reduce the risk of these bugs entering the home in the fall. Chemical application done in late August- Early September will also help to stop migration into residences for overwintering.
Treatment can be performed in the spring in the interior of the dwelling to get relief from any bugs that may have entered the structure in the fall and have emerged in the inside of the house.
These bug do not bite and will not harm people, pets or house plants.
