boxelder_bugs

PEST TYPE

  • Piercing-sucking mouthparts
  • Is a true bug (Boisea trivitattus)

COMMONLY AFFECTED TREE SPECIES

  • Boxelders
  • Maples
  • Ash
  • Hackberries
  • Stonefruits
  • Apple

DAMAGE/ SYMPTOMS

  • No noticeable feeding injury
  • They love to sun themselves, often found on south and west sides of buildings
  • Squished adults release stain and foul odor

MANAGEMENT

Because boxelder bugs are good flyers, any management practice that doesn't drastically reduce their numbers won't be very effective. Boxelder bugs are usually just an aesthetic nuisance and rarely warrant chemical treatment.

CHEMICAL:

  • Spray nymphs and adults with soap and water mixture

CULTURAL:

  • Spray off tree/building with hose
  • Don't plant female boxelder trees

BIOLOGICAL:

  • Few effective natural enemies (boxelder bugs can stink and taste bad!)

RHYME ZONE

"We love the sun but don't sound the alarm,
We rarely do very much serious harm."

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