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Boxelder and Red-Shouldered
Bugs
Mary Small
Extension Agent, Urban IPM
Jefferson County
Click on image to enlarge
In late summer and early fall, homeowners are annoyed by boxelder and
red-shouldered bugs as they seek over-wintering shelter. They congregate on the
south and west sides of homes and move indoors through cracks or other openings.
Once indoors, the bugs can become quite a nuisance, but do not feed on anything,
reproduce or sting.
Adult boxelder bugs feed primarily on seeds of maple and boxelder seeds.
Red-shouldered bugs commonly feed on goldenrain tree seeds. At first glance, the
insects are similar in appearance, but adult red-shouldered bugs, as the name
implies, have red shoulders.
To reduce the numbers of insects migrating indoors this fall, try the
following recommendations.
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Rake up leaves, lumber and other materials from around the perimeter of
the home. Be sure to check under shrubs. These are the types of sites the
bugs seek for over-wintering shelter.
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Seal cracks in buildings. Check for openings around pipes and windows.
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Vacuum up the insects indoors. Outdoors, hose off bugs that are crawling
on exterior surfaces such as walls and fences.
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Insecticides registered for use as perimeter sprays may be used to reduce
the amount of insects entering the home. Spray around the foundation and
into the yard several feet. More than one application will likely be needed
as the insects continue to migrate throughout the fall months.
Boxelder and red-shouldered bugs will continue to aggravate periodically
until spring, when plant growth and egg-laying begin.
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