Adult Box Elder bugs may grow to about 1/2 inch in length.
Box Elder bugs are bright red or black with narrow reddish lines on the back.
Box Elder bugs’ wings lay flat over their bodies, overlapping each other to form an ‘X’.
During the spring and early summer, adult Box Elder bugs feed on low vegetation and seeds on the ground. Box Elder bugs may also feed on maple or ash trees.
Box Elder bugs sometimes invade houses and other man-made structures seeking warmth or a place to hibernate.
Box Elder bugs remain inactive inside the walls (and behind siding) while the weather is cool. Warmth from heating systems revive them, falsely perceiving it to be springtime and enter buildings in search of food and water.
Starting in mid‑summer, Box Elder bugs move to female seed-bearing Box Elder trees where they lay eggs on trunks, branches, and leaves. They are rarely found on male Box Elder trees.
Fun Fact Friday – Box Elder Bugs