NPIPM:Boisea trivittata
Authors: Ashley Mueller, Buyung Hadi
Identification
Adult boxelder bugs are 1/2 inch long, and their body is somewhat flattened. They are black with three red lines on the tops of their bodies, and their abdomens are reddish-orange. Adults are capable of flying. Immature boxelder bugs are smaller in size, they lack wings, and their abdomens are a distinct red color. These insects are often seen in the fall and early spring in warm, sunny areas.
Habitat
Boxelder bugs, especially immatures, can be found on the low vegetation near female boxelder trees or other female trees that produce seed pods. Boxelder bugs feed on tree seed pods. Adults can overwinter indoors and in other protected places that include cracks and crevices around foundations, windows, and doors and in walls. Overwintering adults do not reproduce indoors.
Life Cycle and Seasonal History
In mid-spring when the temperatures rise, boxelder bugs emerge from hibernation. They can be seen congregating around female trees with seed pods which serve as host trees. Females lay eggs singly or in batches in the crevices in bark of host trees, in grass, or in leaf litter. In approximately two weeks, the nymphs emerge. Nymphs use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on seed pods and foliage. Development from egg to adult takes about two months. One or two generations may be produced each year, depending on the weather conditions. In the fall, boxelder bugs seek a location to overwinter.
Human Interaction and Urban Impact
Boxelder bugs may be medically important insects because they have been reported to bite humans on rare occasions. Any medical questions or concerns related to a boxelder bug bite should be directed towards a physician.
Boxelder bugs are primarily nuisance pests when they invade homes looking for warmth during the late fall and winter months. They can stain curtains and other light-colored fabrics, and they produce a foul odor when crushed.
Prevention and Management Approaches
Control of boxelder bugs indoors hinges mainly on excluding boxelder bugs from entering homes. They enter human dwelling through cracks in foundations and gaps around doors or windows. Caulk the cracks around doors, windows, and foundations. Weather strips may also be used to seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent earwig entry.
Boxelder bugs found in homes are best controlled by vacuuming or killed by hand. Indoor boxelder bug infestations usually improve in mid- to late-May when the population has died or has moved outdoors. In the case of bad infestation indoors, consider doing outdoor perimeter spraying on the house foundation using residual insecticides labeled for this type of application; however, most insecticides for building exteriors are ineffective in reducing boxelder bug populations for the long-term. Always use precaution and follow the label carefully before using any insecticide. Insecticides have a certain amount of toxicity to mammals; children and pets are especially at risk.
Other Online Resources
For information regarding labels of chemical control options, please visit NPIC MAPL
