How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs Naturally (and Keep Them From Coming Back)

Boxelder bugs are insects that take up residence in boxelder trees, feeding on their seeds, leaves, and flowers. Despite being herbivores, boxelder bugs aren't destructive to trees or other plants. The time when they become the biggest nuisance is when they seek shelter in your home during colder months. To help you get rid of boxelder bugs indoors, we spoke to pest control experts who shared their all-natural ways for getting rid of these insects—and keep them from coming back.

What Are Boxelder Bugs?

Boxelder bugs are small, black tree bugs from the same family as stink bugs. "They primarily feed on the seeds, leaves, and flowers of boxelder trees, which are a variety of maple," says Timothy Wong, technical director at MMPC, a pest control company. "When food is scarce, they’ll also use other maples or even ash trees. In pest control, we call them 'occasional invaders' because they usually live outdoors but sometimes move indoors during fall and winter in search of shelter."

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How to Identify Boxelder Bugs

Mature boxelder bugs are about a 1/2-inch long and have black bodies with distinct red markings along the edges of their wings and behind their heads. The red lines form a small triangle at the center of their backs, says Wong. Nymphs are bright red and much smaller than adult bugs. Price says the nymphs are about the size of an apple seed.

The Lifecycle of Boxelder Bugs

Understanding the lifecycle of boxelder bugs will help you better prepare for and control their presence. In spring and summer, adult boxelder bugs emerge from overwintering spots and lay eggs on boxelder, maple, or ash trees, says David Price, associate certified entomologist and vice president of strategic growth for Mosquito Joe, a Neighborly company.

The eggs hatch, then the tiny red nymphs feed on seeds, flowers, and leaves as they grow. "In late summer and fall, adult boxelder bugs will gather in large groups to find warm places to overwinter," Price says. "In the winter, they hide in cracks of bark, leaf litter or buildings. In the spring, the cycle will begin again."

How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs aren't destructive to trees like spotted lanternflies and won't damage your home like termites. "Their larger size and bold coloring can make them seem intimidating, but they’re actually harmless," says Wong.

That said, Price notes that these insects can become a problem when they swarm around the home and try to go inside during cooler months. "They can stain walls, curtains, and furniture with their droppings," he says. To get rid of boxelder bugs, our experts recommend the following pesticide-free methods.

• Vacuuming: The simplest and cleanest method for getting rid of boxelder bugs is to suck them up using a vacuum with a hose attachment.
• Soap-and-water spray: Mix water with 2 to 3 drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the boxelder bugs with the mixture. Wong notes that this doesn’t kill the bugs instantly but helps drive them away.
• Rubbing alcohol: Spray the bugs with a 91 percent rubbing alcohol spray, which Wong says will kill them on contact.

How to Prevent Boxelder Bugs

The best way to keep boxelder bugs from returning is to seal your home. "Common entry points include gaps around windows, such as where a window AC unit doesn’t fully meet the frame or where double-hung windows don’t close tightly," says Wong. "Gaps under exterior doors are another frequent access point."

He also recommends making sure all windows have tight-fitting screens in place to block boxelder bugs and other insects from slipping inside when your windows are open. "By sealing these openings and installing proper screens, you can keep boxelder bugs—and many other occasional invaders—from becoming houseguests," he says.

Outdoors, Price recommends raking up fallen leaves, trimming back boxelder trees, keeping your landscaping tidy, and planting non-host trees.