Boxelder bugs are native to the western United States, but can be found from eastern Canada throughout the eastern U.S. and west to eastern Nevada, wherever boxelder trees are found. They emerge from hibernation in spring and spend the warm months feeding on their host trees until cool temperatures move in.

What attracts box elder bugs?

Naturally, boxelder bugs are attracted to their food source – the seeds of the maple tree family. In the spring, they feed on the juice trapped in ungerminated seeds that have fallen off trees. ... Further, boxelder bugs are attracted to the areas where they can find shelter for the coming winter.

How do you keep boxelder bugs away?