THE BUGYMAN EXTERMINATORS

Boxelder Bugs         Order Hemiptera       


Appearance:

        Adults are about inch long. They are bright red or black with narrow reddish lines on the back.

Habitat:

        Primarily around woods, Trees and gardens. When in dry environments, the Boxelder Bug can be found invading any structure which will offer needed moisture. Brick walls, wall voids, decaying plant mater and mulch can often be inspected to find large numbers coexisting.

Food:

        Principally sucking juices from the boxelder tree, but are found on maples,

and fallen leaves from fruit trees.

Life Cycle:

        Gradual metamorphoses, with piercing-sucking mouth parts. Eggs are hidden in bark crevices or left on leaves and sometimes on seed pods in spring. Nymphs appear in late spring or early summer and develop rapidly. Adult females overwinter. 1 or 2 generations a year

General Information:

        Although this insect does little damage to trees, it causes deformities and blemishes in fruit. They may stain curtains and other resting sites with fecal spots and produce a foul odor when crushed. In autumn, huge swarms of females can be seen near buildings, looking for a place to overwinter.


Boxelder Bug Management:

Refer to the standard Service Program outlined under Service Programs.

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Last modified: November 24, 1997