Boxelder Bugs Invading Canadian homes

By Brandie Majeau

As autumn unfolds with warmth and sunshine, many Canadians are noticing a proliferation of small
black and red insects invading their doorways, windows, and homes. Meet the boxelder bugs. Their
appearance might suggest they are beetles; however, they belong to the insect family that includes
stinkbugs and cicadas. So, the question arises: why are so many of them invading our peaceful fall
afternoons? Boxelder bugs are not an uncommon insect, but with the hot and dry conditions that
characterized our summer, their development rates have accelerated. As leaves start to fall and our
natural seasonal transitions take place, the trees that provide much of their habitat and food
source—such as boxelder, maple, and ash—no longer offer the refuge they require.

This is where your home becomes a beacon of salvation. Boxelder bugs flock to heat sources and
desperately search for any cracks and crevices that would serve as a suitable hibernation environment.
As the outside temperature drops, they cluster together seeking warmth. You may spot a single insect or
several scattered on a south-facing door or window in the afternoons, but if you take the time to check
carefully, one generally indicates the presence of more, and you are likely to find them clustered in the
corners of those door or window frames.

The good news? They are indeed a nuisance, and while they can bite, they generally do not unless
handled. They are not known to cause any significant damage to buildings or plants, and they pose no
harm to you, your children, or your pets. They are simply a pest. The best defense against this mini
army, desperate in its post-hibernation activities, is to ensure all crevices in your home are sealed,
screens are repaired or patched, and doors remain closed. If they do manage to sneak inside, think twice
before grabbing the flyswatter. Their insides are a reddish color that is very pungent, and this coloring
may cause stains on light-coloured fabrics and walls. Since they pose no threat, consider using your
vacuum to cleanly and efficiently suck them up and empty your canister outdoors.