Is it a boxelder bug?
The boxelder bug is a common North American insect frequently found clustering on the sunny sides of boxelder trees and nearby structures.
whichbug identifies insects from what you can see. It does not identify bites and has no health information.
What to look for
| Size | 12-15 mm |
|---|---|
| Colour | Black with distinct red-orange markings on the wings and thorax |
| Shape | Oval and flattened body |
| Wings | Fully developed with red veins visible on the forewings |
| Antennae | Four-segmented and black |
| Movement | Slow crawler that can fly short distances |
Where you'll find them
Boxelder treesMaple treesSunny exterior wallsWindow sillsGaragesnuisance only
The insects do not damage property, food, or plants but may leave staining spots on surfaces from their excrement.
Season: Late summer through fall
Signs it's around
- Large aggregations of black and red insects on sunlit surfaces
- Yellowish-brown fecal stains on siding or windows
- Dead insects accumulating on window ledges
- Faint musty odor in enclosed spaces with heavy populations
Not sure? The lookalikes
| vs stink bug | Boxelder bugs have distinct red-orange markings on a black body, whereas stink bugs are typically green or brown without red patterns |
| vs milkweed bug | Milkweed bugs have a more triangular head shape and different red-orange banding patterns compared to the boxelder bug's specific wing markings |
| vs firebug | Firebugs have a more uniform bright red-orange coloration with black spots, lacking the black body with red wing veins characteristic of boxelder bugs |