BOX ELDER BUG PEST CONTROL

Though Box Elder Bugs are primarily found in the box elder tree (hence the name), the box elder bug can also be found on other trees such as the maple tree and ash tree. While not particularly invasive or damaging to agriculture, their numbers make them quite the annoyance causing them to be considered a nuisance pest. The Box Elder Bug will generally nest in trees during the Spring and Summer while migrating into homes and other buildings during the Fall and Winter.

Box Elder Bug Appearance

Adult box elder bugs are generally 1/2 inch long with a dark brown and/or black coloration with red-orange wing veins and markings on the abdomen. Box elder bugs also have fairly long hind legs and front antennae.

Box Elder Bug Feeding Habits 

Although box elder bugs prefer feeding on Acer seeds, box elder bugs will often pierce the plant tissues of other plants while feeding. However they are not known to cause significant structural damage to most plants and are not considered to be agricultural pests. With the removal of Acer tree species can help in control of box elder bug populations. 

Box Elder Bug Social Habits 

Box elder bugs may form large aggregations while sunning themselves in areas near their host plant (e.g. on rocks, shrubs, trees, and man-made structures). However, their congregation habits and excreta can annoy people, thus they are considered nuisance pests.

Box Elder Bug Control 

Box elder bugs in large numbers can become a problem during the cooler months when they are more likely to invade houses and other man-made structures to seek warmth. Box elder bugs enter a hibernation like state during cooler in the spring and leave their winter hibernation locations to feed and lay eggs on maple or ash trees; aggregations may be seen during this time and well into summer and early fall, depending on the temperature.