Western Boxelder Bug: Uninvited Guests

As the temperatures drop in late fall and winter, you might notice an uninvited guest making its way indoors, the Western Boxelder Bug (Boisea rubrolineata). While their habit of sneaking into homes can be annoying, these insects are harmless. Their primary goal is to find a warm spot to overwinter, and firewood piles often serve as their preferred hangout during the colder months.

Family

Belonging to the order Hemiptera, also known as the True Bugs, Western Boxelder Bugs are easily recognizable by their habit of gathering in large clusters. Both nymphs and adults often clump together, making them quite noticeable when they appear.

If you find these bugs indoors, the best way to handle them is to gently scoop them up and release them outside. Try to avoid squishing them, as they are related to stink bugs and will emit an unpleasant smell when crushed.

While their presence might be inconvenient, remember that these seasonal visitors are just another part of the natural world, a food source for a variety of wildlife, making them an important part of nature’s food chain.