Are Boxelder Bugs Harmful? What You Need to Know

If you've been seeing oblong, black-and-orange-red bugs crowding around your walls, windows, and doorframes, you’re probably dealing with boxelder bugs. Boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) are members of the “true bug” order and are closely related to stink bugs, leaf-footed bugs, and seed bugs. As temperatures cool in fall and winter, boxelder bugs, along with other occasional invader pests, look for warm places to hide… aka, our homes.

Thankfully, boxelder bugs are more of a nuisance pest than a medically important or dangerous one. Though they are related to other insects that can harm humans, like assassin bugs, which can spread Chagas disease, boxelder bugs are not known to carry or transmit human diseases. They don't sting or pinch, and they generally aren't known to bite people. As for animals, boxelder bugs have not been reported to injure pets or livestock. If an animal accidentally eats a boxelder bug, they may experience digestive discomfort and nausea, but they should otherwise be fine.

Structurally, boxelder bugs pose little threat. These pests do not feed on or excavate wood or other building materials. However, their presence and high numbers may cause wear and tear around existing gaps and cracks throughout your house. In the garden, boxelder bugs may cause minor plant damage. Adults primarily feed on boxelder seeds and other nearby vegetation, such as maple trees. However, fruit and vegetables in a home garden may attract boxelder bugs, especially if the crops have splits that make them easy to feed on. Overall, boxelder bugs aren't considered a major threat to structures or plants.

So then, what makes boxelder bugs so bad?

The honest answer is, in every sense of the term, they are a massive pest. Maybe not because of their size, but because of the headache they can give us when we find them in our homes.

Boxelder bugs are good at finding their way into our houses and making themselves at home. They're not only uninvited guests, but they seldom travel alone. Boxelder bugs cluster together and tend to explore and invade homes in large groups, so where there is one boxelder bug, there will be more. Additionally, boxelder bugs are similar to stink bugs in that they emit a foul odor when threatened or crushed, and their droppings can stain surfaces they crawl across, including walls, curtains, and furniture.

So while they may not be dangerous in the physical sense, boxelder bugs are good at destroying one thing: your peace of mind and ease in your own home.

Preventing Pests with Mosquito Squad Plus

If boxelder bugs are ruining your home's peace, it's time to call the pros at your local Mosquito Squad Plus. Our trained technicians can help identify pest problem areas, including entry points, and create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. Call your local Squad today to set up your next service! Services vary by location.