Boxelder Bugs
Biosea trivittata
General Information
While boxelder bugs don’t harm people, they can be a nuisance because they sometimes enter homes and other buildings in large numbers looking for warmth and shelter. Learn where they live, what they look like, and how to help prevent a boxelder bug infestation in your home.
- Boxelder bugs have beaks that they use to suck plant juices, but they do not bite.
- Any warm, winter day may “wake up” these bugs and bring them into your living areas.
Size
Color
Bite or Sting
Wings
Commonly mistaken for
Additional details
- Boxelder bugs are black with orange or red markings across their backs.1
- Their wings lay flat over their bodies and overlap each other to form an “X.”1
- In the summer, boxelder bugs live outdoors on trees and shrubs.
- When it’s cool, these bugs will gather together in large numbers in sunny areas such as on home siding, concrete, porches, and tree trunks.
- Boxelder bugs feed on trees and shrubs in your yard. However, they rarely create noticeable damage to plants or trees.
- As the weather cools, they will come inside seeking warmth and shelter for the winter.
- Occasionally, very large outbreaks of boxelder bugs may cause damage to plants, fruit trees, and fruits.
- Boxelder bugs can stain surfaces, such as walls and curtains, with their feces. 1
- Large indoor boxelder bug invasions can be a nuisance to homeowners.
- Caulk any points where boxelder bugs can get inside, including entry points from the outside or neighboring units.
- Repair or replace damaged screens on window and door screens to help keep these bugs out of the house.
- Help control boxelder bugs in the home by vacuuming regularly.
- Use pest control sprays labeled to help kill boxelder bugs.
Solutions for Boxelder Bugs
Raid® Multi Insect Killer Odourless kills flying and crawling insects fast. The odourless formulation makes it suitable for use indoors, while still delivering effective insect control for a wide range of pest problems. Designed for everyday household use, this aerosol can be applied across multiple environments including living spaces, patios, and gardens, offering versatile protection against insects.
- Kills flying and crawling insects on contact
- Fast killing action, even with direct spray
- Odourless formula for indoor comfort
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- May be sprayed directly onto plants (with care)
Raid® Multi Insect Killer kills flying and crawling insects fast. Designed for use in and around the home, it delivers effective pest control with a fast-acting formula. A dual-purpose aerosol designed to control both flying and crawling insects in various environments, including inside the home and outdoor areas such as patios and gardens.
Highlights
- Fast killing action, effective even with one direct spray
- Kills flying and crawling insects
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- No harsh smell
- May be sprayed directly onto plants (with care)
Raid® Crawling Insect Killer Super Fast Odourless delivers instant knockdown action, killing crawling insects quickly on contact. Its odourless formulation provides effective control without leaving a harsh smell. Designed for targeted application, this aerosol can be sprayed directly onto insects or into hiding places such as cracks, crevices, and under appliances where crawling insects live.
Highlights
- Super fast killing action on contact
- Instant knockdown action
- Kills crawling insects effectively
- Odourless formulation with no harsh smell
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