Do Boxelder Bugs Eat Garden Plants?
Boxelder bugs do not typically eat garden plants. Instead, they feed on the seeds, fruits, and leaves of boxelder and maple trees. While they may occasionally nibble on a few garden plants, they are not considered a significant threat to most flower or vegetable gardens.
What exactly are boxelder bugs?
Boxelder bugs are small insects, about half an inch long, with black bodies and red or orange markings. They have distinctive red lines on their wings and a red border behind their head. Nymphs (young bugs) are bright red and turn black as they grow. These bugs are most active in spring and fall, and they love to gather in large groups on sunny walls, windows, and tree trunks.
They belong to the "true bug" family, which means they have a piercing-sucking mouthpart. That mouthpart is like a tiny straw. They use it to poke into seeds and leaves and suck out the plant juices. They are not like beetles or caterpillars that chew holes through leaves.
Do boxelder bugs eat garden plants?
The short answer is: boxelder bugs rarely cause serious damage to garden plants. Their main food source is the seeds and developing fruits of boxelder trees, silver maple trees, and sometimes ash trees. In your garden, they might show up on fruit trees, strawberries, or even some flowers, but they usually just take a tiny sip and move on.
Most gardeners never notice any damage from boxelder bugs. In fact, they are much more of a nuisance pest than a plant-eating pest. Their biggest problem is that they try to get inside your home during the cooler months. But if you have a large population and food is scarce, they may nibble on other plants. Even then, the damage is usually cosmetic and won't kill the plant.
What do boxelder bugs actually eat?
Boxelder bugs have a limited diet. Here is a clear list of their preferred foods:
- Boxelder tree seeds – their number-one favorite
- Silver maple seeds – also very attractive to them
- Fruit of boxelder and maple trees – the little winged samaras
- Developing seeds of other maples – sometimes they feed on the seeds of red or sugar maples
- Rotten or fallen fruit – they may sip juice from apples, plums, or peaches that are already damaged
- Occasionally on garden flowers – like roses or daisies if nearby host trees are missing
As you can see, garden vegetables are not on their menu in a significant way. If you have boxelder or maple trees in your yard, the bugs will go there first. Your tomatoes, peppers, and squash are safe.
Can boxelder bugs damage your garden?
In very rare cases, yes, but it is minor. If a huge number of boxelder bugs land on a tender plant like a young strawberry or bean seedling, they might cause slight wilting or yellowing where they feed. This is because they insert their mouthparts and suck out sap, similar to aphids. But unlike aphids, they do not carry plant diseases, and they don't reproduce on garden plants.
If you see stippling (tiny white or yellow dots) on leaves, or slightly deformed fruit, it could be boxelder bug feeding. But it's far more likely to be caused by stink bugs or leafhoppers, which are common garden pests. Boxelder bugs are mostly harmless in the garden.
How can I tell if boxelder bugs are in my garden?
The signs are easy to spot because these bugs are not shy. Look for:
- Large groups of black and red bugs on tree trunks, fences, walls, or the sides of your house
- Clustered on sunny surfaces – they love warmth and sunlight
- On boxelder or maple trees – especially on the seed clusters
- Around windows and door frames – as they try to sneak inside
- Occasional feeding on fallen fruit – you might see them on the ground near fruit trees
Compare that to true garden pests like aphids or caterpillars. Aphids cover the undersides of leaves and cause sticky honeydew. Caterpillars leave chewed holes. Boxelder bugs don't do either of those things.
Are boxelder bugs harmful to people or pets?
Boxelder bugs are not dangerous to humans, pets, or buildings. They do not bite, sting, or carry diseases. However, they can be a real nuisance. When crushed, they release a bad smell and leave a reddish-orange stain that can be hard to clean. Some people may have a mild allergic reaction to their droppings or shed skins, but that is very rare.
For pets like dogs and cats, eating a boxelder bug might cause some drooling or an upset stomach, but it is not toxic. The biggest issue is just the mess and stress they cause when hundreds try to come inside your home.
How to prevent boxelder bugs from entering your home
Prevention is the best strategy. Here is a simple checklist you can follow:
| Prevention Step | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations | Blocks their entry points |
| Install weather stripping and door sweeps | Closes gaps under doors |
| Repair torn window screens | Keeps them from slipping in |
| Remove boxelder and silver maple trees near your house | Eliminates their main food source |
| Keep fallen seeds and fruit cleaned up | Removes attractants |
| Spray around entry points with water or mild soap solution | Discourages them from gathering |
If you have a large population, consider using a vacuum cleaner to suck them up. A powerful shop vacuum works well for this task. Empty the bag into a sealed container and dispose of it quickly.
What is the best way to remove boxelder bugs?
Once they are inside your home, removal is tricky because they will keep coming back each day. Here are some practical methods:
- Vacuum them up – easiest and cleanest method, but you need to seal and dispose of the bag.
- Spray with a hose – for bugs on the outside of your house, a strong spray from a garden hose can knock them off. Using a good garden hose nozzle makes this job easier.
- Soap and water spray – mix a few tablespoons of dish soap with water in a spray bottle. This kills them on contact, but avoid spraying it on plants if you want to keep them healthy.
- Diatomaceous earth – sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around doorways and along baseboards. It is a fine powder that dries out the bugs' exoskeletons. Get food-grade diatomaceous earth for safe use around pets and children.
- Insecticides – as a last resort, you can use a product with pyrethroids, but always follow the label instructions. Keep in mind that many insecticides also harm beneficial insects like bees.
Remember, killing them outside your home won't solve the problem if you still have boxelder trees nearby. The bugs will just keep coming. Focus on prevention and exclusion to keep them out of your living spaces.
Do boxelder bugs compare to other garden pests?
To put your mind at ease, here is a simple comparison of boxelder bugs versus common garden pests. The table shows that boxelder bugs are far less troublesome for your plants.
| Pest | Primary Food | Damage to Garden Plants | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boxelder bug | Boxelder and maple seeds | Minor, occasional | Low |
| Aphid | Many vegetables, flowers, trees | Stunts growth, sticky honeydew, disease spread | High |
| Squash bug | Squash, pumpkins, cucumbers | Wilting leaves, dead vines | High |
| Stink bug | Tomatoes, peppers, beans, fruit | Pitted fruit, deformed produce | Moderate to High |
| Cabbage worm | Cabbage, broccoli, kale | Large holes in leaves | Moderate |
As you can see, boxelder bugs are in a different category. They are more of a home-invading nuisance than a plant-eating threat.
Should I worry about boxelder bugs in my garden?
For most gardeners, the answer is no. If you are growing a vegetable garden or flower bed, boxelder bugs will not destroy your crops. They may stop by for a quick drink from a fallen fruit or a seed head, but they will not wipe out your plants. The real problem is when they enter your home to overwinter. That is when you need to take action to seal them out.
If you do see them on your garden plants, you can simply ignore them or gently wash them off with water. No special treatment is needed. Your time is better spent dealing with more serious pests like aphids, caterpillars, or stink bugs. Boxelder bugs are a low-priority problem for the garden itself.