Image Source: OBEX Pest
Have you spotted black insects with distinctive orange-red markings swarming around your home? What do boxelder bugs eat might be your pressing question when these half-inch pests invade in large numbers. Although harmless to humans, boxelder bugs can become a significant nuisance, especially when they congregate on warm surfaces during fall as they search for winter shelter.
Boxelder bugs primarily feed on the seeds and newly developing leaves of boxelder trees, which can lead to discoloration of the foliage. While their boxelder bug diet centers around these trees, they occasionally target other plants as well. These persistent insects can fly up to two miles in search of food sources in spring, explaining why your property might be affected even without boxelder trees nearby. When they enter your house, you might wonder what boxelder bugs eat in the house—although they typically don’t feed indoors. In this guide, you’ll discover exactly what plants do boxelder bugs eat and practical steps to protect your garden from these unwanted visitors.
What do boxelder bugs eat? (Boxelder bug diet explained)
Boxelder bugs rely on a surprisingly selective diet despite their widespread presence. Understanding their feeding habits helps identify potential infestation sites and implement effective prevention strategies.
Seeds and leaves of boxelder and maple trees
Boxelder bugs primarily feed on female (seed-bearing) boxelder trees, which belong to the maple family. Their specialized mouthparts—a needle-like proboscis—pierce plant tissues to extract sap rich in nutrients. These insects don’t actually consume plant material; instead, they drain the fluids from various parts of the tree.
The boxelder bug diet centers around:
Seeds and seedpods of boxelder trees (their favorite food source)
Newly developing leaves and tender young growth
Tree sap extracted directly from the vascular system
When boxelder trees aren’t readily available, these adaptable insects seek alternatives within the maple family. Their feeding preferences extend to other maple species and ash trees, allowing them to thrive in various environments. Adult boxelder bugs typically feed on plants and seeds found on the ground during spring and early summer [1].
Occasional feeding on fruits like apples and plums
Beyond their preferred tree hosts, boxelder bugs sometimes expand their menu when populations become dense or preferred food sources scarce. They may target:
Fruit trees including apple, cherry, peach, pear, and plum trees [2]. Their feeding on these fruits causes distinctive damage—dimples, scarring, and fruit deformation similar to late-season stink bug feeding [3]. When boxelder bugs feed on fruits, they pierce the delicate skin to extract juices, potentially causing the fruit to dehydrate and drop prematurely.
Additionally, boxelder bugs have been observed feeding on grape vines, strawberries, and occasionally alfalfa and potatoes [4]. This dietary flexibility makes them potential pests for fruit growers and gardeners alike.
What do boxelder bugs eat in the house?
Perhaps surprisingly, boxelder bugs don’t eat anything inside houses. When these insects enter your home, they aren’t searching for food but rather seeking shelter from winter conditions [5]. Their indoor presence serves one purpose: finding a warm, protected place to overwinter in a dormant state.
During this hibernation period, boxelder bugs:
Remain completely inactive until temperatures rise again
Don’t feed on household materials, human food, or stored grains
May attempt to feed on houseplants but cause no damage [6]
Some sources mistakenly claim boxelder bugs feed on aphids indoors [7], but this is incorrect. They’re strictly herbivores, feeding exclusively on plant material outdoors. Before entering hibernation, they consume sufficient nutrients to sustain them through winter dormancy.
Understanding that boxelder bugs don’t eat in the house explains why they’re primarily a nuisance rather than destructive indoor pests.
Do boxelder bugs eat plants and cause damage?
Image Source: WSU Tree Fruit – Washington State University
Many gardeners worry about potential damage from boxelder bugs, but the reality might surprise you. These distinctive insects have specific feeding habits that typically cause minimal harm to most plants.
How feeding affects trees and plants
Boxelder bugs use piercing mouthparts to extract plant juices, primarily from seeds and soft tissues. However, their feeding generally causes little noticeable injury to mature trees. Even on their preferred host plants, boxelder bugs rarely cause enough damage to harm overall plant health. Their feeding can sometimes result in:
Minor leaf discoloration or puckering
Slight cosmetic damage to foliage
Occasional yellow leaf spots
Unlike destructive pests, boxelder bugs don’t defoliate plants or significantly impact their growth. Their presence on trees is primarily a nuisance rather than a serious threat.
Common plants boxelder bugs target
Boxelder bugs show clear preferences for certain plants. Their primary targets include:
Female boxelder trees (their favorite food source)
Maple trees, particularly silver and trident varieties
Ash trees (various Fraxinus species)
Fruit trees including apple, cherry, peach, pear, and plum
Grape vines and occasionally strawberries
Interestingly, they may also feed briefly on the ground or in gardens during summer months, especially in years with high populations.
Signs your plants are being affected
Most boxelder bug feeding goes unnoticed, but there are some telltale signs of their activity:
Large congregations of nymphs or adults on seed-bearing trees represent the most obvious indication. On fruit trees, their feeding can create dimples or small depressions similar to stink bug damage, with hard pithy areas forming under the skin. This feeding may cause premature fruit drop or deformities in commercial orchards.
For homeowners, the most significant issue occurs when thousands of bugs gather on buildings near host plants in autumn, seeking winter shelter. Nevertheless, boxelder bugs typically remain a nuisance pest rather than a serious threat to your garden’s health.
How to stop boxelder bugs from damaging your plants
Preventing boxelder bug damage starts with proactive measures rather than reactive treatments. Since these distinctive insects seek both food and shelter based on seasonal patterns, timing your prevention efforts properly makes all the difference.
Seal entry points around your home
The most effective way to keep boxelder bugs from damaging indoor plants is preventing their entry in the first place. Before the end of August:
Inspect and seal cracks around window frames, door sweeps, and your home’s foundation
Repair or replace damaged window screens and vents
Use caulk for smaller gaps and expandable foam for larger openings
Pay special attention to areas where cables, pipes, and utility lines enter your home
Install door sweeps on exterior doors and rubber seals along garage door bottoms
Focus primarily on south and west-facing walls, as these sun-warmed surfaces naturally attract more boxelder bugs seeking warmth.
Use safe DIY sprays (soap and water method)
For a simple yet effective treatment, mix one tablespoon of liquid dish soap with a spray bottle of water. This solution works by:
Breaking down the bugs’ protective outer shells
Causing them to dehydrate and die within 1-2 minutes of contact
Apply this mixture directly to boxelder bugs gathered on exterior surfaces. This method requires direct contact with the insects to be effective, so you’ll need to spray them directly when spotted. As a bonus, this non-toxic solution is safe around children and pets, though you should avoid spraying it on plants as it might harm them.
When to remove female boxelder trees
For persistent infestations, consider removing seed-bearing female boxelder trees from your property. Since these trees provide the primary food source for boxelder bugs, their removal can substantially reduce populations over time. Alternatively:
Replace female trees with male boxelder trees (which don’t produce seeds)
Regularly rake and dispose of fallen seeds in spring
Trim branches that extend toward your home
Remember that adult boxelder bugs can fly up to two miles to find food, so removal won’t completely eliminate the problem if other host trees exist nearby.
Best times of year to act
Timing is crucial for effective prevention:
Late summer/early fall (August-September): Apply preventative measures before bugs begin seeking winter shelter
Spring: Clean up fallen seeds to reduce nymph populations
Warm fall days: Watch for congregations on sunny exterior walls and treat immediately
Consistent vigilance throughout these key periods will significantly reduce boxelder bug populations around your property.
Extra tips for keeping boxelder bugs away
Beyond basic prevention methods, specific plant choices and natural enemies can help your property remain boxelder bug-free. These additional strategies complement the sealing and spray techniques mentioned earlier, creating a comprehensive defense system against these persistent pests.
Plant choices that discourage boxelder bugs
Strategic planting can naturally deter boxelder bugs from settling in your garden. Several plants emit scents or contain compounds that these insects actively avoid:
Marigolds and chrysanthemums repel boxelder bugs with their distinctive aroma. Place these flowering plants around your home’s perimeter or in window boxes where bugs typically gather.
Lavender serves as both a beautiful ornamental and effective deterrent. The fragrant oils in lavender create an environment boxelder bugs find unwelcoming.
Sage proves particularly effective against boxelder bugs. You can create a natural barrier by planting sage around your home’s perimeter or make a DIY repellent spray by boiling dried sage in water until the liquid darkens, then straining and cooling it before application. Apply this solution to windowsills, door frames, and baseboards where boxelder bugs congregate.
For persistent indoor problems, small fabric pouches filled with dried sage placed strategically throughout your home can help drive away existing bugs.
Using natural predators and eco-friendly methods
Nature provides several allies in controlling boxelder bug populations:
Spiders (particularly jumping and crab spiders) naturally prey on boxelder bugs. Consider leaving spider webs intact near infestations.
Praying mantis act as patient hunters, using their spiked front legs to capture various insects including boxelder bugs.
Wheel bugs (sometimes called “assassin bugs”) are among the few insect predators that target boxelder bugs, injecting them with enzyme-laden saliva.
Poultry such as chickens, ducks, and especially guinea hens may eat boxelder bugs in rural settings, though these bugs typically make up only 10-15% of their diet.
For eco-friendly control without predators, diatomaceous earth works by dehydrating boxelder bugs on contact without harming beneficial insects. Apply it around your home’s foundation and other entry points.
Citrus-based solutions also deter these pests effectively. Place drops of citrus essential oil near entry points or use citrus-infused cleaners on windowsills and doorframes.
Conclusion
Although boxelder bugs might seem intimidating when they appear in large numbers, understanding their feeding habits gives you a significant advantage in controlling them. While these distinctive red-and-black insects primarily target boxelder trees and occasionally other plants, they fortunately cause minimal damage in most situations.
Remember that boxelder bugs don’t actually eat anything inside your home—they simply seek shelter during colder months. This knowledge allows you to focus your prevention efforts where they matter most. Sealing entry points before late summer provides your first line of defense, especially around south and west-facing walls where these bugs typically congregate.
For immediate relief when you spot these pests, the soap and water spray method works effectively without harsh chemicals. Additionally, strategic planting with natural deterrents like marigolds, lavender, and sage creates an unwelcoming environment for these insects.
When dealing with severe infestations that persist despite your best efforts, removing female boxelder trees might become necessary, though this approach requires patience as results won’t be immediate. Professional pest control services can also provide targeted treatments if boxelder bugs repeatedly invade your property in overwhelming numbers.
Above all, consistent vigilance during key seasonal periods—particularly late summer and early fall—remains your most powerful strategy against these persistent insects. With the right combination of prevention techniques and timely intervention, you can keep your home and garden largely boxelder bug-free year after year.
What Do Boxelder Bugs Eat: FAQs
Q1. What is the primary food source for boxelder bugs? Boxelder bugs mainly feed on the seeds and leaves of female boxelder trees. They also target other maple species and ash trees when boxelder trees aren’t available. Their diet consists of plant sap extracted from seeds, seedpods, and newly developing leaves.
Q2. Do boxelder bugs cause significant damage to plants? Generally, boxelder bugs cause minimal damage to plants. While they may feed on various trees and occasionally fruits, their impact is usually limited to minor leaf discoloration or slight cosmetic damage. They rarely pose a serious threat to overall plant health.
Q3. How can I prevent boxelder bugs from entering my home? To keep boxelder bugs out, seal entry points around your home before late summer. Focus on cracks around window frames, door sweeps, and the foundation. Install door sweeps on exterior doors and use caulk or expandable foam to close gaps, especially on south and west-facing walls.
Q4. Are there any natural repellents for boxelder bugs? Yes, certain plants can help deter boxelder bugs. Marigolds, chrysanthemums, lavender, and sage are known to repel these insects. You can plant these around your home’s perimeter or use their essential oils as natural repellents.
Q5. What should I do if I find boxelder bugs inside my house? If you find boxelder bugs indoors, remember that they don’t eat or cause damage inside. They’re simply seeking shelter. You can remove them using a vacuum cleaner or sweep them out. For a quick solution, spray them with a mixture of dish soap and water, which will kill them on contact without harmful chemicals.
References
Click to Expand
[1] – https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/boxelder-bugs
[2] – https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74114.html
[3] – https://extension.usu.edu/pests/ipm/notes_ag/fruit-boxelder-bugs.php
[4] – https://treefruit.wsu.edu/crop-protection/opm/western-boxelder-bug/
[5] – https://www.michepestcontrol.com/blog/2023/october/what-do-boxelder-bugs-eat-/
[6] – https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/boxelder-bugs-5-522/
[7] – https://structuretech.com/boxelder-bugs/
