In the fall, you may notice black and red bugs on the outside of your home or office. These pests, known as boxelder bugs, are classified as overwintering, meaning they will try to enter a structure as temperatures drop to wait out the winter.
Once boxelder bugs and other overwintering pests enter your home, it is difficult to remove them. The best way to control a boxelder bug infestation is to prevent an infestation in the first place.
Read our guide below to learn where boxelder bugs hide in and around the home. If you do find boxelder bugs in your home, read how to get rid of boxelder bugs for information on your boxelder bug treatment options.
Where Do Boxelder Bugs Hide Inside the Home?
If boxelder bugs enter your home, they will try to find small nooks, voids, and undisturbed areas to stay in throughout the winter. Homeowners usually do not see box elder bugs inside the home during the winter. Instead, they will see the pests in the spring. When temperatures warm, boxelder bugs will leave their winter hiding spots and try to make their way outside in search of food.
During the winter, boxelder bugs can be found in the following spots around the home:
- Storage areas
- Attics
- Basements
- Crawlspaces
- Inside cabinets and cupboards
- Closets
- Beneath appliances
- In fabrics that are not frequently moved (curtains, bedding in guest rooms, etc.)
- In cracks and crevices
Once temperatures warm, box elder bugs may be found:
- Around doors
- Around windows
- Near light fixtures
Where Are Boxelder Bugs Found Outside of the Home?
Boxelder bugs are most commonly spotted outside of the home during the fall. They may congregate together but can also be found individually. Look for boxelder bugs in the following spots outdoors:
- Around or in boxelder and silver maple trees
- Around or on doors
- Around windows
- Near bushes
- On the sunniest side of the house
- In outdoor sheds
- In tree houses
If you have found boxelder bugs inside the home, read our guide on how to get rid of box elder bugs to control the infestation. Click the right arrow below to learn more.
If you see boxelder bugs outside of the home but they have not made their way inside yet, you can perform a preventative treatment to keep them away. Read our boxelder bug prevention guide for more information.