| Boxelder BugBoisea tivittataInjuryThe boxelder bug may be a pest of outdoor trees as well as a household nuisance. It is the latter that is of most concern to homeowners. The bugs overwinter as adults and nymphs in protected dry places, often in wall voids or attics of houses and buildings. During warm days in the fall and again in the spring, the bugs become active and invade homes causing an extreme nuisance.Description Boxelder Bug Adult -- The adult boxelder bug is about 1/2 inch in length and brownish-black in color with red stripes on the thorax and wing margins. The body is also bright red. Eggs are a rusty red color and are not often seen as they are deposited on boxelder trees. The nymphs, also found on the trees, are bright red in color with the head end darker. Nymphs resemble adults but do not have fully developed wings and are not able to reproduce. The change from nymph to adult is a gradual one. Life HistoryThe boxelder bugs pass the winter in the adult and sometimes nymphal stages in dry, sheltered places where they have accumulated in gregarious masses. They often choose buildings or houses as a protected place to overwinter. When weather warms up in the spring, the bugs leave their places of hibernation to fly to boxelder trees where they deposit their eggs. Eggs are usually deposited in bark crevices and hatch in 11 to 14 days. The nymphs feed by inserting their beaks into leaves, fruits or soft seeds and sucking the plant juices. Feeding continues throughout the summer and the nymphs gradually mature becoming adults as cold weather approaches in the fall. In some areas there may be two broods of this insect, one reaching maturity in mid-summer and the second one in early fall. The boxelder bugs begin to aggregate in warm spots in the fall of the year and may continue to be active until cold weather sets in. Although the base of the host tree is often chosen as an overwintering site, other nearby sites (usually on south facing sides) including rock walls, log or firewood piles, or under the siding of houses or buildings. ManagementNon-insecticidal ControlThe boxelder bugs pass the winter in the adult and sometimes nymphal stages in dry, sheltered places where they have accumulated in gregarious masses. They often choose buildings or houses as a protected place to overwinter. When weather warms up in the spring, the bugs leave their places of hibernation to fly to boxelder trees where they deposit their eggs. Eggs are usually deposited in bark crevices and hatch in 11 to 14 days. The nymphs feed by inserting their beaks into leaves, fruits or soft seeds and sucking the plant juices. Feeding continues throughout the summer and the nymphs gradually mature becoming adults as cold weather approaches in the fall. In some areas there may be two broods of this insect, one reaching maturity in mid-summer and the second one in early fall. The boxelder bugs begin to aggregate in warm spots in the fall of the year and may continue to be active until cold weather sets in. Although the base of the host tree is often chosen as an overwintering site, other nearby sites (usually on south facing sides) including rock walls, log or firewood piles, or under the siding of houses or buildings. Insecticidal ControlFor control on trees during the summer growing season, the insecticide malathion is labeled. A small number of trees may be sprayed by the homeowner, but large trees and large groups of trees should be done by a certified pesticide applicator. Out of doors around the home, either the insecticide deltamethrin or cyfluthrin may be used for nuisance pests (including boxelder bugs) as a targeted and perimeter treatment where boxelder bugs accumulate. BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURERS DIRECTIONS ACCURATELY WHEN USING ANY PESTICIDE
This publication contains pesticide recommendations. Changes in pesticide regulations occur constantly and human errors are still possible. Some materials mentioned may no longer be available and some uses may no longer be legal. All pesticides distributed, sold or applied in New York State must be registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Questions concerning the legality and/or registration status for pesticide use in New York State should be directed to the appropriate Cornell Cooperative Extension Specialist or your regional DEC office. READ THE LABEL BEFORE APPLYING ANY PESTICIDE. |