Image by William M. Ciesla

Box Elder Beetle

Image by Whitney Cranshaw

Look-a-Like: Goldenrain Tree Bug

Image by William M. Ciesla

Look-a-Like: Milkweed-bug

Image by William M. Ciesla

Box Elder Beetle

Image by Whitney Cranshaw

Look-a-Like: Goldenrain Tree Bug

Image by William M. Ciesla

Look-a-Like: Milkweed-bug

Image by William M. Ciesla

Box Elder Beetle

Image by Whitney Cranshaw

Look-a-Like: Goldenrain Tree Bug

Image by William M. Ciesla

Look-a-Like: Milkweed-bug

Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder Bugs (Boisea trivittata) are nuisance pests. They do not sting or transmit disease, and are generally not known to bite, though there are rare reports of defensive biting. Boxelder bugs are not known to cause damage to homes or significant damage to plants. However, their feces can stain light colored surfaces. Smashing them can also release an unpleasant odor [ from the National Pesticide Information Center].

The Boxelder bug overwinters as an adult or nymph in protected dry places, such as your walls or attic, and will emerge on warm days in the fall and spring. Boxelder bugs deposit their eggs on boxelder trees (Acer Negundo) or other maples, or near the trees.

Resources

Boxelder Bugs Factsheet - Information from the Cornell University Insect Diagnostic Laboratory, covers identification, life history, and management options for this household pest.

Boxelder Bugs from the National Pesticide Information Center, covers control tips and additional resources for this pest.

Boxelder Bug from Penn State University, covers description of the pest along with damages it can cause and management options. 

Last updated July 26, 2019