Box Elder Bug
Boisea trivittata
Box elder bugs are black bugs with distinctive red or orange markings on their backs. Adults are about 12-14mm long with flat, elongated oval bodies. Nymphs are smaller and bright red. They congregate...
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How to Identify Box Elder Bug
Box elder bugs are black bugs with distinctive red or orange markings on their backs. Adults are about 12-14mm long with flat, elongated oval bodies.
Box elder bugs are black bugs with distinctive red or orange markings on their backs. Adults are about 12-14mm long with flat, elongated oval bodies. Nymphs are smaller and bright red. They congregate in large numbers on warm, sunny surfaces, especially south and west-facing walls in fall.
Box Elder Bug Behavior & Habits
Understanding how box elder bug behave helps prevent infestations
Box elder bugs feed on box elder, maple, and ash tree seeds. In fall, they congregate by the hundreds or thousands on sunny building exteriors seeking overwintering sites. They enter homes through cracks and gaps, spending winter in wall voids. They emerge in spring, often inside homes, and seek exit to reproduce outdoors.
Box Elder Bug Risks & Dangers
What box elder bug can do to your health and property
Health Risks
Box elder bugs are harmless—they don't bite, sting, or transmit disease. Their presence is purely a nuisance.
Property Damage
Box elder bugs don't cause structural damage but their feces can stain light-colored surfaces. Crushing them releases an unpleasant odor. Dead bugs in wall voids can attract other pests.
Signs of Box Elder Bug Infestation
Look for these indicators in your home
Box Elder Bug in Boise & the Treasure Valley
Box elder bugs are extremely common in Boise and become a major nuisance every fall. South-facing homes near box elder or maple trees experience the heaviest infestations. The bugs are particularly abundant in years following warm, wet springs.
How We Eliminate Box Elder Bug
Professional treatment for complete elimination
Box elder bug control is most effective as a preventive treatment in early fall before bugs attempt to enter. We treat exterior walls, window frames, and foundation perimeters. For existing infestations, interior treatment and vacuuming removes active bugs while exterior barriers prevent new entry.
How to Prevent Box Elder Bug
Steps you can take to reduce the risk of infestation
Box Elder Bug Questions Answered
Common questions about identification, prevention, and treatment
Are box elder bugs dangerous?
No. Box elder bugs don't bite, sting, or carry disease. They're purely a nuisance pest. Their feces can stain surfaces, and crushing them releases an unpleasant odor.
Why are there so many box elder bugs on my house?
Box elder bugs seek warm surfaces in fall for overwintering. South and west-facing walls absorb the most heat, attracting large congregations. Nearby box elder or maple trees increase local populations.
Should I remove box elder trees to eliminate the bugs?
Removing trees reduces populations but won't eliminate bugs completely—they can fly from trees blocks away. Exclusion (sealing entry points) and perimeter treatment are more practical solutions.
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