Box Elder

What Are Boxelder Bugs?

Boxelder bugs are a nuisance to homeowners in the Pacific Northwest. They invade homes in large numbers and can cause structural damage by chewing through wood. Boxelder bugs are small, box or rice-shaped insects with a distinctive red and black coloration. They were originally discovered in boxelder trees but have since spread to other trees including maple, birch, sycamore, ash, elm, and horse chestnut trees. Boxelder bugs feed on the leaves and seeds of these trees by sucking out their juices (sucking sap). This can cause significant damage to the tree’s leaves which could lead to death if not treated quickly enough! These bugs usually live outdoors during the summer months but will migrate indoors and hibernate in the cracks and crevices of your home when winter sets in. Boxelder bugs are similar to many pests in that they like to congregate in dark and moist places. Be sure to check areas of low activity such as outdoor sheds, basements, and attics. Since these bugs often congregate, an infestation can form in low-traffic areas if they are not checked frequently. It will be particularly important to investigate these areas during the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall.