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Boxelder bugs are a common nuisance pest that can be found in many parts of the United States. They are named after their favorite food source, the boxelder tree. While they are considered a nuisance pest, they are not known to cause harm to humans or animals. However, they can be a nuisance to farmers in large numbers. If you are wondering how long boxelder bugs live and what kind of damage they can cause, read on for a comprehensive guide.
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What is a Boxelder Bug?
Boxelder bugs are small, red and black insects that measure about half an inch in length. They are native to North America and are most commonly found in the northern parts of the continent. They have three distinct black stripes on their back and six legs. They are true bugs, meaning they have piercing and sucking mouthparts which they use to feed on plant material.
The boxelder bug is a type of true bug in the family Rhopalidae, which is part of the order Hemiptera. Other members of this family include the western boxelder bug, the western conifer seed bug, and the red-shouldered bug. They are often confused with the milkweed bug, which is a member of the family Lygaeidae.
How Long do Boxelder Bugs Live?
The lifespan of a boxelder bug is relatively short, usually ranging from one to two years. During the warmer months, boxelder bugs are active and reproduce. In the winter, they become dormant, hiding in cracks and crevices to avoid the cold temperatures.
Boxelder bugs have four stages in their life cycle – egg, nymph, adult, and overwintering. The egg stage lasts up to a week, after which the nymph emerges. The nymphs go through five instars, or molts, before reaching adulthood. The adult stage lasts from two to three months, after which the boxelder bug will overwinter and die.
The boxelder bug’s lifespan depends on the climate. In warmer climates, the insect will live longer and be more active. In colder climates, the boxelder bug will become dormant and live a shorter lifespan. An individual boxelder bug will typically live over 1 year, give or take, depending on the weather and availability of food.
Boxelder Bug Reproduction
Boxelder bugs reproduce by laying eggs on the undersides of leaves or in crevices on the bark of trees and other vegetation. The eggs are small, elongated, and yellowish in color. They hatch in about a week and the nymphs emerge.
The nymphs are similar in appearance to the adults but they are smaller and lack wings. As they molt through their five instars, they become larger and develop wings.
Female boxelder bugs can lay up to 400 eggs during their lifespan. The eggs are laid in batches of 15-20, which will hatch in about a week.
Boxelder Bug Habitats
Boxelder bugs are typically found in areas where boxelder trees are present (surprised?). They feed on the sap of the tree and the foliage, including the leaves and flowers. They also feed on the seeds of other trees, such as maple, ash, and walnut trees.
In the winter, boxelder bugs will seek shelter in cracks and crevices in buildings and other structures. They will also find shelter under rocks, logs, and other debris.
Boxelder Bug Diet
Boxelder bugs are sap-sucking insects, meaning they feed on the sap of various plants. Their favorite food source is the boxelder tree, although they also feed on other trees and plants, including maple, ash, and walnut trees.
The boxelder bug also feeds on the foliage of plants, including the leaves and flowers. They can also feed on fruits, such as apples and pears.
Boxelder Bug Damage
Boxelder bugs are considered nuisance pests because they can cause damage to plants and trees. They feed on the sap of the tree, which can cause the leaves to become distorted. They also feed on foliage, which can cause the leaves to wilt and become discolored.
In large numbers, boxelder bugs can also cause damage to buildings and other structures. They can invade homes and other buildings, where they will seek shelter in cracks and crevices. They can also stain walls and other surfaces with their excrement.
Controlling a Boxelder Bug Infestation
If you are dealing with a boxelder bug infestation, there are several steps you can take to control it.
First, you should consider removing any boxelder trees in the area, if you are able. This will significantly reduce the number of boxelder bugs in the area by cutting off their primary food source.
You can also use insecticides to control the boxelder bug infestation. There are several products available, including insecticides that target adult boxelder bugs and larvicides that target the nymphs.
Finally, you can use physical barriers to prevent the boxelder bugs from entering your home or other buildings. You can use caulk to seal cracks and crevices, as well as mesh screens over windows and doors.
If you are having trouble controlling a boxelder bug infestation, you should contact a pest control professional. They can provide the best advice and treatments to get rid of the boxelder bugs.
Most homeowners will fortunately never experience a full on box elder bug invasion. However, it can be common on farms in certain regions of the world like Chile, where they are an invasive species.
FAQs about Boxelder Bugs
Q: How long do boxelder bugs live?
A: Boxelder bugs have a relatively short lifespan of one to two years.
Q: Where do boxelder bugs live?
A: Boxelder bugs are found in areas where boxelder trees are present. They will also seek shelter in buildings and other structures in the winter.
Q: What do boxelder bugs eat?
A: Boxelder bugs feed on the sap of boxelder trees and other plants, as well as the foliage of plants.
Q: What kind of damage do boxelder bugs cause?
A: Boxelder bugs can cause damage to plants, as well as staining walls and other surfaces with their excrement.
Q: How do you control a boxelder bug infestation?
A: You can control a boxelder bug infestation by removing boxelder trees, using insecticides, and using physical barriers to keep them out of your home. If you are having trouble controlling an infestation, you should contact a pest control professional.
Conclusion
Boxelder bugs are a common nuisance pest found in many parts of the United States. They are named after their favorite food source, the boxelder tree. While they are considered a nuisance pest, they are not known to cause harm to humans or animals. However, they can be a nuisance in large numbers.
The lifespan of a boxelder bug is relatively short, usually ranging from one to two years. They feed on the sap of boxelder trees and other plants, as well as the foliage of plants. They can also cause damage to plants and buildings, as well as staining walls and other surfaces with their excrement.
If you are dealing with a boxelder bug infestation, there are several steps you can take to control it. You can remove boxelder trees, use insecticides, and use physical barriers to keep them out of your home. If you are having trouble controlling an infestation, you should contact a pest control professional. Call Recon Pest Services for all of your pest removal needs.
We hope this article has clued you up on the lifespan of boxelder bugs and the damage they can cause. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
