Box Elder Bug:

Boxelder bugs are dark-colored insects marked with distinctive red or orange lines across their bodies and wings, growing up to about half an inch long. While they’re most commonly associated with boxelder trees, they’re also drawn to other varieties like ash and maple. In particularly dry summers, these bugs may turn to fruit trees, feeding on almonds, cherries, apples, and other soft fruits such as grapes and peaches, often causing minor cosmetic damage. They use their slender, piercing mouthparts to extract nutrients from seeds, leaves, and tender new growth. When present in large numbers, they can contribute to leaf discoloration and early leaf drop.

As temperatures drop in the fall, boxelder bugs begin seeking out warm, protected spaces to survive the winter. This often brings them into homes, where they gather near sunny windows, door frames, or in quiet areas like basements, attics, and garages. Drawn to the warmth and shelter, they may remain hidden indoors throughout the colder months, becoming a seasonal nuisance for homeowners.