- Home
- Pest library
- Boxelder bugs
Insects · Pest library
Boxelder bug control in Toronto, the GTA and cottage country
Boxelder bugs are black and red insects that feed on Manitoba maple (boxelder) trees. In the fall they gather in large numbers on sunny walls and slip into homes to spend the winter.
- Free quote
- Licensed in Ontario
- Free return visits
How to identify boxelder bugs
Adults and young often gather together.
Adults
Black with red or orange lines along the edges of the wings and back.
Nymphs
Smaller and mostly bright red, often seen with adults on trees and walls.
Signs to look for
- Clusters of black and red bugs on south and west facing walls in fall
- Bugs around windows and doors on warm days
- Bugs inside on sunny windows in late winter and spring
- Small reddish stains on curtains or walls
Why boxelder bugs come inside
What draws them in
Boxelder bugs feed on the seeds of female Manitoba maple trees. When the weather cools they look for warm, sheltered spots, and gaps in siding and windows lead them inside.
Health and home risks
Boxelder bugs don't bite people or damage homes, but they can be a nuisance in large numbers, and their droppings can stain fabric and walls.
How we handle boxelder bugs
Treat sunny walls
Exterior treatment where bugs gather in late summer and fall.
Find where they're getting in
We look at gaps around windows, doors, siding and vents.
Treat sheltering spots
Targeted treatment where bugs hide in attics and wall spaces.
Advise on attractants
Advice on nearby Manitoba maples and other hot spots.
Prevention tips
- Seal gaps around windows, doors and siding
- Repair window and door screens
- Fit screens over attic and soffit vents
- Rake up fallen Manitoba maple seeds
- Vacuum up bugs indoors rather than crushing them
Common questions about boxelder bugs
Do boxelder bugs bite?
They don't bite people. They feed on plants, mainly Manitoba maple trees.
Why are they on my house?
They gather on warm, sunny walls in the fall while looking for a sheltered place to spend the winter.
Related pests
Reviewed by PestDepart's licensed exterminators. For health concerns, including bites or stings, contact your doctor or local public health unit.