Box elder bugs, scientifically known as Boisea trivittata, are common insects found in North America. These distinctive bugs are known for their black and red markings and can often be seen congregating on trees, buildings, and other surfaces. If you’re curious about when you can expect to see box elder bugs, read on to learn more.
Box Elder Bugs: An Overview
Before we delve into their seasonal patterns, let’s familiarize ourselves with box elder bugs. These insects belong to the true bug family and are native to North America. They are primarily found in regions with box elder trees, which serve as their main food source. However, they can also feed on other plants, including maple and ash trees.
Spring Emergence
As the weather warms up and spring arrives, box elder bugs become more active. You can typically expect to see them emerging from their overwintering sites around early spring. They hibernate during the winter months in sheltered areas such as cracks, crevices, and inside buildings. As temperatures rise, they venture out to find food and reproduce.
Summer Activity
During the summer months, box elder bugs are highly active. They feed on their preferred host trees’ leaves, flowers, and seeds. You may spot them in large groups on tree trunks or branches, sunning themselves or engaging in mating behaviours. Their bright red and black coloration makes them easily distinguishable, especially against lighter surfaces.
Fall Aggregation
As summer turns into fall, box elder bugs gather in large numbers. They congregate on warm, sunlit surfaces, including buildings, fences, and rocks. This behaviour is known as “aggregation.” They seek warm locations to prepare for overwintering and survive the cold winter months. During this time, you may witness a significant increase in their presence, especially on south-facing walls or structures.
Overwintering
During winter, box elder bugs enter a state of dormancy. They seek shelter in protected areas, such as attics, wall voids, and other secluded spots. Their metabolism slows down, and they conserve energy until spring arrives. It’s not uncommon to find box elder bugs indoors during winter if there are gaps or cracks in the building’s structure that provide entry points.
Professional Pest Control Kitchener
Box elder bugs can be seen throughout the year, but their activity levels vary depending on the season. They emerge in spring, become highly active in summer, aggregate in large numbers during the fall, and seek shelter for overwintering in winter. Understanding their seasonal patterns can help you anticipate when you are most likely to encounter these insects.
If you find box elder bugs in or around your home and consider them a nuisance, it’s best to consult with pest control professionals. They can provide effective solutions to manage or prevent infestations. Remember that box elder bugs are generally harmless to humans and don’t cause significant damage to structures or plants.