Boxelder Bugs (Boisea trivittata) are perhaps the most recognizable fall pest in Utah. While they are harmless to humans and property, their sheer numbers can be overwhelming when they "sunbathe" on the side of your house.
Solar HeatingIn the fall, Boxelder bugs congregate on the south and west-facing walls of Utah homes to soak up the heat from the afternoon sun.
The Overwintering TrekTheir goal is to find a gap in your siding, soffit, or window frame to crawl into your attic or wall voids, where they stay dormant through the winter.
Accidental GuestsThey don't want to be in your living room; they just want to be in your walls. However, on warm winter days, they may "wake up" and accidentally wander into your house through electrical outlets or recessed lighting.
Are they eating my trees?They feed primarily on the seeds of female Boxelder trees, but they also visit Maple and Ash trees. They rarely cause any significant damage to the health of the tree.
Do they bite or sting?No. They are strictly "nuisance pests." They don't bite, sting, or carry diseases, though they may leave a small orange stain on light-colored fabrics if crushed.
Why do I have so many this year?Boxelder bug populations fluctuate based on the previous winter's severity and the heat of the summer. A long, hot Utah summer usually leads to a "bumper crop" of bugs in the fall.
