How to identify a Boxelder bug

Boisea trivittata
· Also called box elder bug, maple bug

People searching “what does a boxelder bug look like” or “boxelder bug bite” want a field ID, not a scare. Boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata) is a indoor pests in this guide. Also called box elder bug, maple bug.

Hundreds of black-and-red bugs on the siding are boxelder bugs, not a kissing-bug invasion.

What does a boxelder bug look like?

Boxelder bug is About 12 mm. Colors people notice: black, red. Field marks: Red edges on a black elongate body; Sunny walls; Near maple or boxelder.

Boxelder bug is About 12 mm. Colors people notice: black, red. Field marks: Red edges on a black elongate body; Sunny walls; Near maple or boxelder. If the marks fail, open the look-alike pages before forcing this name.

Identification marks

Red edges on a black elongate body
Sunny walls
Near maple or boxelder

Size: About 12 mm
Colors: black, red
Where: both

Boxelder bug vs Brown marmorated stink bug

Red-lined clusters on a sunny wall = boxelder. Cone head at a porch light = kissing bug.

Brown marmorated stink bug identification (Halyomorpha halys)
Kissing bug identification (Triatoma sanguisuga)
Velvet ant identification (Dasymutilla occidentalis)
Lady beetle identification (Harmonia axyridis)
German cockroach identification (Blattella germanica)

Range and season

Boxelder bug is active fall. Typical places: yard, house. Black with red lines, masses on sunny walls near boxelder and maple. Does not bite.

Sunny south walls near boxelder trees in fall.

Black with red lines, masses on sunny walls near boxelder and maple. Does not bite.

Fall

Common questions

Do boxelder bugs bite?

No.

Boxelder bug vs kissing bug?

Boxelder bugs are smaller, red-lined, and cluster on sunny walls. Kissing bugs are larger, night-active, and cone-headed.

Boxelder bug identification (Boisea trivittata)