Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs, sometimes called maple bugs, are medium size insects about 13mm (1/2") long, dark grey with red markings on back (right). There is only one generation of these insects per year. Eggs are laid on maple leaves* in early summer and young boxelder bugs develop throughout the summer, without harming the trees. Young bugs resemble adults except they are more red in color and lack wings.

In the fall adult bugs leave the maple trees in search of protected places to spend winter months. Large numbers may congregate on trees, and nearby houses, and cause a great deal of concern from affected homeowners. The bugs are harmless but can be a real nuisance because of their sheer numbers. In spring the adults fly off to find maple trees on which to lay eggs to begin the cycle all over agin. Eggs are not laid on houses, inside or out.