Diatomaceous Earth For Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs are common pests in North America, particularly in the western and eastern regions. They feed on boxelder trees (Acer negundo), but they can also be found on maple and ash trees. During the warmer months, boxelder bugs thrive outdoors, feeding on seeds, flowers, and other plant materials. However, as temperatures drop in the fall, they seek shelter in protected areas, often invading homes, sheds, and other structures in large numbers.

​

Understanding the life cycle of the boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata) is crucial for effective pest control measures, including the use of diatomaceous earth. Boxelder bugs undergo a simple metamorphosis consisting of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult.

​

1. Egg Stage:

   • Boxelder bugs typically lay their eggs in early spring, often on the bark of female boxelder trees (Acer negundo), but they may also choose other suitable host trees like maple and ash.

   • The eggs are small, barrel-shaped, and have a creamy to light yellow color. They are laid in clusters and are often found on the sunny side of the tree trunk or on nearby structures.

2. Nymph Stage:

   • Once the eggs hatch, the emerging nymphs go through several molts before reaching adulthood. There are five nymphal instars in total.

   • Nymphs resemble adults in shape but are smaller and lack wings. They are initially red, turning more towards a darker shade as they molt and progress through the instars.

   • During the nymphal stage, boxelder bugs primarily feed on the sap of host trees, developing and growing in size with each molt.

3. Adult Stage:

   • Boxelder bugs reach adulthood in late spring or early summer after completing their final molt. At this stage, they develop fully functional wings, enabling them to disperse over longer distances.

   • Adult boxelder bugs are approximately half an inch in length and display distinctive reddish-brown coloring with narrow, elongated bodies. They have prominent wing veins, creating a unique X-shaped pattern on their backs.

   • During the warmer months, adults continue to feed on the sap of host trees and other plants. However, as temperatures drop in the fall, they begin seeking shelter to overwinter.

4. Overwintering:

   • Overwintering is a crucial aspect of the boxelder bug life cycle. In the fall, adults gather in large numbers on the sunny sides of buildings, houses, and other structures, seeking sheltered locations to hibernate during the colder months.

   • This behavior often leads to infestations in homes, as boxelder bugs find their way into cracks, crevices, and other entry points. They remain dormant during the winter, emerging when temperatures rise in the spring to resume their life cycle.

Understanding the life cycle of boxelder bugs provides insight into the timing and patterns of their activities. By targeting specific stages of their development, such as the nymphal stage when they are most vulnerable, pest control methods like diatomaceous earth can be strategically applied to disrupt the life cycle and reduce infestation risks. Incorporating this knowledge into your pest management approach enhances the effectiveness of natural and non-toxic solutions like diatomaceous earth in controlling boxelder bugs.