Stink bugs and boxelder bugs are two of the most commonly confused fall invaders homeowners notice on siding, porches, decks, and inside living spaces as temperatures begin to drop. While they may look similar at a glance, correctly identifying which insect you’re dealing with is an important first step toward choosing the right pest control approach, understanding potential risks, and setting realistic expectations for prevention and treatment.
If you’re seeing bugs gathering around your home this season, this guide will help you tell the difference—and know when professional pest control may be needed.
Boxelder bugs are medium-sized insects with dark, elongated bodies marked by distinctive red or orange lines along their edges and wings. Adults typically grow to about ½ inch long and have a flattened, oval shape. When their wings are folded, the markings often form an “X” pattern on their backs, making them easier to identify.
Outdoors, boxelder bugs feed primarily on the seeds, leaves, and twigs of boxelder trees, a type of maple, as well as some other maples and ash trees. While they rarely cause serious damage to healthy trees, populations can grow quickly in areas where these trees are abundant—especially in sunny, sheltered locations near homes.
Video: What are Box Elder Bugs?
Stink bugs—most notably the brown marmorated stink bug—have a broader, shield-shaped body that sets them apart from boxelder bugs.
Adults are usually ⅔ to ¾ inch long and have a thick, angular outline. Their coloring ranges from mottled brown to green, helping them blend into bark, leaves, and garden plants.
Stink bugs feed by piercing fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants with needle-like mouthparts. This feeding can cause dimpling, discoloration, and deformities in crops such as tomatoes, peppers, apples, and peaches. Because of this, stink bugs are not only a household nuisance but also a significant agricultural and garden pest. When disturbed or crushed, they release the strong odor they’re known for.
Both insects become most noticeable in late summer and fall, when they search for warm, protected places to overwinter.
Boxelder bugs often gather in large numbers on sunny exterior walls, especially on the south or west sides of homes near boxelder or maple trees. From there, they enter through gaps around windows, doors, siding, and foundations.
Stink bugs typically migrate from gardens, fields, and landscaped areas to homes once temperatures drop. Like boxelder bugs, they cluster on warm surfaces and squeeze through tiny openings.
Once inside, neither insect reproduces or feeds on household materials. However, they may reappear during warm winter days, leading homeowners to believe they have an ongoing infestation.
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For most homeowners, boxelder bugs are a nuisance rather than a threat. They do not bite, sting, spread disease, or damage structures. The main issues are their numbers, their tendency to congregate near entryways, and the possibility of staining surfaces if crushed.
Stink bugs, while not dangerous to people, can cause more noticeable damage outdoors. Their feeding can reduce crop yields and harm backyard gardens. Indoors, the biggest complaints are their odor and the unpleasant surprise of finding them on walls, ceilings, or curtains.
Homeowners can often identify these pests quickly by looking for a few key features:
Shape: Boxelder bugs are narrow and elongated; stink bugs are wide and shield-shaped.
Color pattern: Boxelder bugs have bold red or orange lines; stink bugs are mottled brown or green.
Body thickness: Stink bugs appear bulkier and thicker-bodied.
A good rule of thumb: slender with red lines = boxelder bug; wide and shield-shaped = stink bug.
The most effective long-term solution for both pests is exclusion—keeping them out before they get inside. This includes:
Sealing gaps around windows and doors
Repairing damaged screens
Installing door sweeps
Caulking cracks in siding and foundations
Sealing openings around utilities, soffits, and attic vents
Outdoors, boxelder bug pressure may be reduced by managing or removing heavily infested female boxelder trees near the home. For stink bugs, reducing outdoor hiding places—such as woodpiles against the foundation or clutter near entry points—can help.
If bugs make it indoors, vacuuming is the safest removal method. Crushing insects, especially stink bugs, can lead to odors and stains.
When infestations are persistent or seasonal invasions become overwhelming, partnering with Top Turf Pest Control allows for targeted exterior treatments and a customized prevention plan designed for your home and landscape.