24 Pesky Boxelder Bug Facts

By Karin Lehnardt, Senior Writer—Reviewed for accuracy by the FactRetriever editorial team

Published October 7, 2025

Boxelder bugs are bright red when they first hatch, and then they turn to red and black as they age._[3]
Boxelder bugs are "true" bugs in the same order (Hemiptera) as stink bugs and cicadas, but they belong to the family Rhopalidae._[3]
Boxelder bugs are the most abundant during hot, dry summers after a warm spring._[3]
When looking for a suitable place to stay for the winter, a boxelder adult can fly several blocks and even two miles._[3]
The scientific name for boxelder bug is Boisea trivittata. Trivittata is from the Latin tri (three) + vittata (banded)._[3]

Boxelder nymphs are soft-bodied with a bright red-orange body. As they grow, they develop more obvious wing pads

Boxelder bugs, especially nymphs, drown easily. It there is a congregation of boxelder bugs, try watering them down._[4]
Boxelder bug wings lay flat over their bodies and overlap, forming an "X."_[3]
When box elderbugs gather, they are called an aggregation. They love to gather on buildings with southern or western sun exposure._[4]
The average box elder bug's body is .5 inches (1.27 cm) long and .3 in (.76cm) wide._[4]
If you squish a boxelder bug, the orange stain is actually from its internal pigment, not its blood._[4]
Boxelder bugs are fairly strong flyers, but most will simply walk to where they want to go._[4]
Although boxelder bugs are harmless to people and pets, they are considered pests because they gather in such large groups._[4]
Because boxelder bugs have a bad odor, they do not have many natural enemies. Neither bigger insects nor birds like to eat them._[4]
Smashing box elder bugs on fabric or furniture can leave a stain or release a strong, unpleasant odor._[4]

Boxelder bugs are among the least harmful bugs that one could have in a home, but they do emit an orange dye when they feel threatened or are crushed

Boxelder bugs are tolerant of most insecticides, making chemical control of the insects difficult._[4]
Boxelder bugs don't sting, transmit disease, or bite; although there are some rare reports that boxelder bugs may bit defensibly._[4]
Boxelder bugs are not poisonous._[4]
Boxelder bugs can only reproduce outdoors._[4]

Boxelder trees are the primary food source for boxelder bugs

Boxelder bugs feed by piercing an object and sucking the contents out. They mainly feed on plant juices, such as boxelder tree seeds, maple seeds, and grapes._[1]
The easiest and safest way to eliminate box elder bugs in the house is with a vacuum cleaner._[2]
The boxelder tree flower is especially delicious to boxelder bugs._[4]
The most permanent solution for eliminating box elder bugs is to remove female boxelder trees._[4]
Boxelder bugs use smell as a defense mechanism. Surprisingly, their defensive smell is fairly sweet and smells like green apples._[3]
Boxelder bugs are NOT kissing bugs, even though they look similar._[5]