![](https://www.birdsoutsidemywindow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/insects_boxelder_bug_adult_wiki.jpg)
24 July 2024
July is certainly Bug Season!
Yesterday Mike Fialkovich sent news that it’s a big year for boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) where he works in New Stanton, PA.
![](https://www.birdsoutsidemywindow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/insects_Boxelder-Bugs_New-Stanton_20240723_7_RSZ_mikefialkovich.jpg)
There was a big gathering of Boxelder Bugs at my workplace today. Most were nymphs but a few adults were present. I noticed the adults were numerous recently on the side of the building but today the numbers of nymphs were impressive.
— email from Mike Fialkovich, 23 July 2024
I was a little surprised to see the swarms on non-native winged burning bush (Euonymus alatus).
![](https://www.birdsoutsidemywindow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/insects_Boxelder-Bugs_New-Stanton_20240723_2_RSZ_mikefialkovich.jpg)
As their name suggests, the boxelder bugs’ host plant is the box elder tree (Acer negundo), which is both native and abundant.
![](https://www.birdsoutsidemywindow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/trees_box_elder_20210711_105204944_rsz.jpg)
![](https://www.birdsoutsidemywindow.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/trees_boxelder_leaves_20200907_115243_ssidetrail_rsz900_kms.jpg)
Soon these nymphs will become adults that look like this … and the bug pictured at top.
![](https://www.birdsoutsidemywindow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/insects_boxelder_bug_adult_faceaway_wiki.jpg)
Have you seen a swarm of boxelder bugs lately? If so, leave a comment and tell me where.
I’m in Natrona Heights. I saw a mass of boxelder bugs when turning mulch in a back fence garden. Had never seen them before – there were lots of them….very near my big milkweed planting, so could it be their seed pods that interests them?
These were small – looked them up so i knew what they were, but saw your post today.
Are they going to be a problem?