What Attracts Boxelder Bugs to My Yard?

Posted by Mosquito Squad Plus

August 18, 2026

Seeing black-and-red bugs gathering on your trees, fences, or the sunny areas of your home’s siding? These are boxelder bugs.

The good news is that boxelder bugs are generally more of an outdoor nuisance than anything else – real pests, if you will. But large, visible groups of any kind of insect can become very disconcerting, especially as they try to make their way toward your home.

Is there something in your yard that makes your property more attractive to boxelder bugs?

Yes.

Boxelder Trees Are Their Primary Food Source

As you might imagine, and as the name suggests, boxelder bugs are strongly associated with boxelder trees. They feast on leaves and flowers, but they also feed on seeds from female, seed-bearing boxelder trees.

It wouldn’t be uncommon for someone to have a boxelder tree on their property without realizing it. Belonging to the maple family, these fast-growing trees are commonly found near streams, within wooded areas, along roadsides, and throughout various types of residential properties. It’s important to understand that even if you don’t have these trees, a neighboring property could be close enough to support local boxelder activity.

Boxelder bugs might also feed on other varieties of maple trees – and occasionally, ash trees too.

Fallen Seeds and Plant Debris Offer Sustenance

Host trees with fallen seeds are ideal spots for boxelder bugs to congregate. Whether you have one or a large quantity of these trees, know that seeds, leaves, and other organic debris will offer more places for boxelder bugs to gather and feed.

While it won’t eliminate the bugs altogether, regularly raking up fallen boxelder seeds and tree debris will help make these areas a bit less hospitable. The first step in controlling outdoor pests is to reduce conditions that support them in the first place.

Warm, Sunny Boxelder Bug Hangouts

If you’ve ever had a problem with boxelder bugs, you have probably noticed them covering one side of your home, while leaving another side untouched. Sunlight makes all the difference, as these bugs are highly attracted to warm surfaces, often southern or western-facing.

During late-summer and autumn, boxelder bugs commonly gather on:

Light-colored siding
Exterior masonry, like brick or stone facades
Areas around windows and doors
Fences, patios, and decks
Tree trunks

Daker exterior siding might absorb warmth from the sun to create another ideal gathering spot, even when not in direct sunlight.

Should You Remove Boxelder Trees?

Let’s be honest. While removing a host tree can reduce a major boxelder bug food source from your yard, it’s not always a practical choice. Add to that, these bugs can fly in from adjacent properties, which means removing one tree on your property is no guarantee that they will stay away.

Before cutting down a viable tree, consider speaking with an arborist and a pest control professional. Improving outdoor sanitation and maintenance efforts, sealing up entry points, and using appropriately-timed outdoor pest control treatments are all more practical solutions.

If you’re in search of boxelder bug control in St. Louis Metro East, Mosquito Squad Plus can help!

Where Do We Offer Outdoor Pest Control Services?

Mosquito Squad Plus is pleased to offer mosquito control, as well as upgraded outdoor pest control services, including rodent control and deer control, throughout the St. Louis Metro East area, including these and more:

Looking for pest control St. Louis Metro? Call Mosquito Squad.

Mosquito Squad of St. Louis Metro East is pleased to offer highly effective East St. Louis pest control solutions, including rodent control, tick control, mosquito control, and more throughout the area.