Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs congregate on sunny walls in autumn before squeezing indoors to overwinter.
Background & Behavior
(Boisea trivittata) Often called maple bugs, boxelder bugs are black with red markings and gather in large numbers on sunny walls. They feed on boxelder, maple, and ash trees outdoors. During cooler months, they invade homes seeking warmth but don’t breed or cause structural harm inside. Still, they can stain surfaces and release a foul odor when crushed.
DIY Approaches
- Use a shop vacuum with a stocking-lined hose to collect clusters from siding.
- Seal utility penetrations and window trim with silicone caulk before fall.
- Replace damaged door sweeps to limit indoor entry points.
- Spray soapy water directly on clusters to reduce numbers without chemicals.
- Rake leaf litter and fallen seeds away from the foundation each week.
Professional Services
- Schedule preventative exterior perimeter sprays in late summer.
- Request attic dusting treatments if overwintering activity is detected.
- Have pest pros treat upper story siding safely with specialised equipment.
- Coordinate tree care to prune seed-bearing boxelder branches near structures.
- Add seasonal monitoring services to anticipate heavy migration years.
Photo Gallery
