This, along with their orange or red markings, makes it easy for most predators to remember to avoid eating these bugs. However, when disturbed or smashed, they will release a pungent (and bad-tasting) compound to discourage predators. 6 – DO BOXELDER BUGS STINK?ĭuring their normal activity, boxelder bugs don’t emit any odor. Even in large numbers, boxelder bugs seem to do little damage to these trees. In particular, they feed upon the juice contained in the seeds of boxelder trees and other trees in the maple family. 5 – DO BOXELDER BUGS EAT PLANTS?īoxelder bugs eat by sucking the juices out of plants. If you’re still concerned about the well-being of your cat or dog after it consumed a boxelder bug, contact your veterinarian for additional guidance. Still, they may suffer the same effects: Vomiting and/or excessive salivating. Cats seem a little more likely to snack on and tolerate boxelder bugs. Some dogs, however, may have a different reaction – they may salivate excessively for a short time. If your dog does eat a boxelder bug, expect that it may vomit in a short time and take preparations for that to happen by taking it outside or confine it to a room with tile floor. As a defense against predators, these insects are said have an extremely foul taste. If your pet is prone to eating bugs, try to steer them clear of tasting a boxelder bug. Boxelder bugs do not have the ability to sting, either. As they are considered “true bugs,” they have evolved to suck nutrients from their food, rather than biting and tearing it with mandibles. 3 – CAN BOXELDER BUGS BITE?īoxelder bugs won’t bite, but on rare occasions, they may prick you with a sharp mouthpart. Smashing them can also leave a stain on many surfaces.īoxelder bugs are considered strong and agile fliers, sometimes traveling several miles from the trees where they hatched as they seek out food sources and places to overwinter. By the way, don’t try to squish them! Doing so will cause them to emit a stinky smell. They are also commonly mistaken for stink bugs thanks to their flat backs and oval shape.

These insects are sometimes called box elder beetles and maple bugs. Adult boxelder bugs are about a ½-inch long and have orange or red markings on their black bodies.

During that time, they often gather in large numbers on the sunny side of trees and buildings.

They can become a major nuisance in the late summer and fall when they seek out sites for overwintering. So what is it that makes these audacious bugs tick? Why do they try to get inside our homes? And most importantly, how do you get rid of boxelder bugs? Find out as we explore the most common questions people have about boxelder bugs! 1 – WHAT ARE BOXELDER BUGS?īoxelder bugs (Boisea trivittatus) are insects native to the western U.S. And when we say “swarm,” we really mean it! They gather by the dozens all over the house, totally unconcerned by the presence of people, pets and any other potential predators. These bugs swarm all over homes in the fall and make their way inside. In some areas of the country, boxelder bugs are a major nuisance for homeowners.