Boxelder Bugs
Biosea trivittata
General Information
While boxelder bugs don’t harm people, they can be a nuisance because they sometimes enter homes and other buildings in large numbers looking for warmth and shelter. Learn where they live, what they look like, and how to help prevent a boxelder bug infestation in your home.
- Boxelder bugs have beaks that they use to suck plant juices, but they do not bite.
- Any warm, winter day may “wake up” these bugs and bring them into your living areas.
Size
Color
Bite or Sting
Wings
Commonly mistaken for
Additional details
- Boxelder bugs are black with orange or red markings across their backs.1
- Their wings lay flat over their bodies and overlap each other to form an “X.”1
- In the summer, boxelder bugs live outdoors on trees and shrubs.
- When it’s cool, these bugs will gather together in large numbers in sunny areas such as on home siding, concrete, porches, and tree trunks.
- Boxelder bugs feed on trees and shrubs in your yard. However, they rarely create noticeable damage to plants or trees.
- As the weather cools, they will come inside seeking warmth and shelter for the winter.
- Occasionally, very large outbreaks of boxelder bugs may cause damage to plants, fruit trees, and fruits.
- Boxelder bugs can stain surfaces, such as walls and curtains, with their feces. 1
- Large indoor boxelder bug invasions can be a nuisance to homeowners.
- Caulk any points where boxelder bugs can get inside, including entry points from the outside or neighboring units.
- Repair or replace damaged screens on window and door screens to help keep these bugs out of the house.
- Help control boxelder bugs in the home by vacuuming regularly.
- Use pest control sprays labeled to help kill boxelder bugs.
Solutions for Boxelder Bugs
From scurrying insects on the ground to buzzing insects in the air, Raid® Multi Insect Killer spray controls the most common bug problems — both inside and outdoors.
Highlights:
Raid® Multi Insect Killer is specially formulated to kill both crawling and flying insects.
- Kills common listed household insects.
- Also available in Orange Breeze scent.
- Available in 15 oz. size.
Kills bugs without harming your house or garden plants.
Highlights:
Raid® House & Garden Bug Killer is specially formulated to kill crawling, flying and garden insects.
- Kills bugs and won't damage house or garden plants when used as directed.
- Use indoors or outdoors to kill ants, roaches, spiders, flies, and other listed bugs on contact.
- For Outdoor: Use this product on ornamental garden plants
- Also available in Orange Breeze scent.
- Available in 11 oz. size.
Before you hire an expensive exterminator, turn to our bug barrier. This easy-to-use solution creates a barrier from roaches, ants, ticks, and more — both indoors and outside — with a powerful formula that lasts up to 18 months.*
*American cockroaches and Argentine ants, and applied on non-porous surfaces
Highlights:
Raid Max® Perimeter Protection kills a wide range of bugs and creates a consistent barrier thanks to its effective and reliable formula.
- Large 1 Gallon container provides a long-lasting solution that keeps killing for up to 18 months* (*American cockroaches and Argentine ants, and applied on non-porous surfaces)
- Also available in 1 Gallon Refill, 30 oz Trigger Starter and 30 oz Trigger Refill
- For both indoor and outdoor use – it's a roach killer, ant killer, mosquito killer, tick killer and spider killer that is also kills many other bugs, all in one spray
- Clear formula leaves no stain** or lingering odor (**Test in an inconspicuous area before applying)
- Convenient, precise and easy to use spray
- Save money and reduce plastic waste by keeping the reusable auto trigger, hose, dip tube and holster for use on compatible refills
- Perimeter Protection kills 10x more roaches than the leading competitor* (*Based on 48 hour mortality rates of German and American cockroaches in laboratory testing after five-minute exposure to a one-day aged deposit of product on hardwood plywood panels)
Raid® Max Perimeter Protection helps keep listed bugs out and leaves no odor or oily residue (see label for details).
Highlights:
- Kills ants, fleas, flies, gnats, roaches, spiders, centipedes, stink bugs and more (See label for full list)
- Leaves no odor oily residue
- For indoor and outdoor use
- Spray outdoors, around doors, windows, and along your home's foundations
- Spray indoors along floor boards, door and window frames
- Use in hard-to-reach places where long-term control is needed
- Perimeter Protection kills 10x more roaches than the leading competitor* (*Based on 48 hour mortality rates of German and American cockroaches in laboratory testing after five-minute exposure to a one-day aged deposit of product on hardwood plywood panels)
Flies, mosquitoes, or wasps buzzing a little too close for comfort? Raid® Flying Insect Killer works on contact — both indoors and outdoors — with no lingering chemical odor.
Highlights:
Raid® Flying Insect Killer is specially formulated to kill a number of flying insects including flies, wasps, hornets, and mosquitoes.
- It can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- Also available in Outdoor Fresh® and Orange Breeze scents.
- Available in 15 oz., 18 oz., and 20 oz. sizes.
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