All Pests
SMARTER PEST CONTROL
Boxelder Bugs
Keep the orange-and-black crowd outside.
Boxelder bugs love warm walls and seed pods from female boxelder trees. A perimeter spray in early fall keeps them from migrating indoors.
Where you'll find them
Sunny exterior walls, attics, near maple and boxelder trees.
Signs of an infestation
- Clusters on south-facing siding
- Black smudge stains on stucco
- Bugs trapped in light fixtures
Prevention tips
- Treat perimeter in late August
- Repair torn screens
- Trim back boxelder seed pods
Boxelder Bugs: frequently asked questions
Read the full boxelder bugs guide →Are boxelder bugs harmful?
+
Not directly — they don't bite, sting, or damage structures. The main issue is staining and the sheer numbers in fall.
Why are they on my house?
+
South- and west-facing walls warm up first in fall. They congregate on warm surfaces before squeezing inside to overwinter.
Should I remove the boxelder tree?
+
If it's a female (seed-bearing) tree close to the house, removal can dramatically reduce populations within a season.
