Box Elder Bugs
Boxelder Bugs are beetle-like insects known as nuisance pests in and around homes and buildings near plantings of the box elder tree (Acer negundo). They are also attracted to maple, ash and fruit trees. Adults are ½ inch long and somewhat flattened on the top, with reddish-orange stripes on their wings. They release a strong, foul odor when crushed.
Damage
Boxelder Bugs damage trees and other plants by sucking the fluid out of the foliage. Outdoors, Boxelder Bugs feed on foliage fruit and flowers but rarely do serious damage. They are most active in the fall, when you're most likely to find them in your home, seeking a warm hibernation spot for winter. While they don't feed on furniture or fabrics, Boxelder Bugs are a nuisance indoors due to their excrement and smell when crushed, and because they feed on houseplants.
Location
Boxelder Bugs are found throughout the United States, east of Nevada.
Similar or Related Pests
Western Boxelder Bug, Goldenrain Tree Bug
Cultural Solutions
- Inspect, repair and/or replace all screens and seals "Ò in windows, doors, roof and soffit vents and exhaust fans. Be sure the backflow preventer is tightly sealed.
- Insects only need 1/8 of an inch to gain access to your home, so seal spots where items penetrate your home's exterior (dryer vents, etc.). Use caulk, expandable spray foam, or other sealants.
- Do not caulk brick openings in mortar.
Complete Brand Insect Killer For Soil & Turf-32 oz. Ready-To-Spray
Complete Brand Insect Killer For Soil & Turf-32 oz. Ready-To-Spray
- Kills listed surface insects in 24 hours
- Kills soil insects for up to 3 months
- Kills Mosquitoes
- 32oz Ready-To-Spray treats up to 5,000 sq. ft
- 40oz. Concentrate makes up to 80 gallons of spray
- Excludes Pharaoh Ants
All-In-One Rose & Flower Care Concentrate-64 oz. Concentrate
All-In-One Rose & Flower Care Concentrate-64 oz. Concentrate
- Fertilizer - Promotes strong roots and beautiful blooms
- Insect Control - Japanese Beetles (adult), Aphids and other listed pests
- Disease Control - Black Spot, Powdery Mildew, Rust and Southern Blight
12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed Concentrate-1 Gallon Concentrate
12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed Concentrate-1 Gallon Concentrate
- Kills listed insects and prevents new infestations for up to 12 months
- Plus provides slow-release fertilizer
- Kills devastating pests like Emerald Ash Borers, Adelgids, Borers, Leafminers, Japanese Beetles (adult) and many others
12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed II Concentrate-32 oz. Concentrate
12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed II Concentrate-32 oz. Concentrate
- Kills listed insects and prevents new infestations for up to 12 months
- Slow-release feeding improves plant health
- Kills Japanese Beetles (adult), Emerald Ash Borers, Adelgids, Leafminers and Fall Webworms
3-In-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control-32 oz. Concentrate
3-In-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control-32 oz. Concentrate
- Kills and controls listed insect pests
- Cures and prevents listed fungal disease
- Controls Spider Mites
